Isle Magazine Issue 4 Vol 1

1st

Anniversary Issue

Living the Country Life in

Sligo

Give to Irish Charities

WIN A Night Away in Derry

Issue 4 Vol 1

Autumn 2013 Winter 2014

T A B P THE ALLIANCE FOR BEST PRACTICES

“Advancing the future of financial institutions” Bringing executive Western bankers with senior bankers in the transitional economy (such as China, Vietnam and African countries) to share best practices and their personal experience on how to devise a winning business strategy in today’s financial services sector.

the alliance for best practices llc

Jennifer Gao, Founder/CEO New York – US Mobile: (+1) 347-268-2066 China Mobile: (+86) 1502-133—567 Email: bestbankingpractices@gmail.com

22

Irish Style Living & Enterprise

Contents Issue 4 | Autumn 2013/Winter 2014

Features:

Issue 4 Autumn 2013/Winter 2014 Cover Credit: Matthew Logue courtesy of DVCB

Founder and Creative Director Lisa McGee

25

Logo Design Louisa Condon The Ant Team Website & Magazine Design One Little Studio

25

Travel ISLE – Come and Explore Derry

35

Food Producer – Life at Coopershill

45

Charity ISLE – A selection of Irish charities to consider this season of giving

47 57

Craft ISLE – Irish made woolen products

Contributing Writers Barbara Collins Lila Connolly Susan Fitzgerald Des Kenny

ISLE magazine is published four times a year and is a FREE online magazine.

Registered offices are at 25 Radharc Darach, Nenagh Co. Tipperary IRELAND Phone: +353 (0)86 347567; Email: info@islemagazine.com www.islemagazine.com Company Registration number 506406.

All contents of this magazine are copyright ©ISLE magazine and they may not be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publishers.

House in County Sligo

Cookbook ISLE – Butcher Pat Whelan celebrates Irish beef in his new book

Columns:

Intern Sophia McGee ISLE magazine ® is a registered trademark.

City of Culture 2013

35 57

5

Editor’s Page – Lisa welcomes you to the 1st Anniversary issue.

6

News ISLE– A round-up of some of the things happening around this island of ours

8

Taste ISLE – See what has been tickling

13

Book ISLE – Des Kenny highlights some favourites for Christmas

14

Ireland 2013

16

Christmas in Ireland

22

and Derry

our tastes buds lately

Blog ISLE – Winners of Blog Awards Product ISLE – 5 women tell us about Getaway ISLE – Getaways in Dublin

Autumn 2013 Isle 3

Here I am with William O’Callaghan from Longueville House in Co. Cork (we featured them in Issue 2) at the Blas Na hEireann Irish Food Awards in Dingle, early October.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we first launched the magazine. To my delight, ISLE is being read around the world. We have readers as far away as New Zealand, India and Japan and the response to our content and design has been overwhelmingly positive.

This issue in our travel feature, we take you to the City of Culture 2013 (pg. 25).

We meet a young couple in Sligo who are keeping a country estate and producing venison (pg. 35). For our crafts story, we show you some of the products not only coming from Irish woolen mills but also the creativity of knitters and weavers (pg. 47) plus we dip into butcher Pat Whelan’s latest book - a veritable Bible on Irish beef (pg. 57) I’d also like to welcome our newest contributing writers, Barbara Collins, who wrote about Coopershill House and Susan Fitzgerald, who wrote our Museum ISLE piece (pg. 11).

To wrap up the end of this first year – I just want to thank you for all your support. I’d also like to wish you all a very festive holiday season and a happy and healthy 2014.

Our next issue will be out early in March 2014.

Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ ISLEmagazine/199204003527882 Follow us on Twitter @ISLEmagazine and Pinterest -http://www.pinterest. com/islemagazine/boards/ And as always, we’d love to hear from you – send us an email at info@islemagazine.com

With Norma Smurfit at a Microfinance Seminar held in Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh.

Autumn 2013 Isle 5

News

ISLE

Compiled by Lila Connolly

Some newsy bits from all around Ireland

5 Gatherings/Festivals/Events:  Ennis Trad Festival 7-11 November, Ennis, Co. Clare For those who love to hear, play, sing or dance to Irish Traditional Music.

www.ennistradfestival.com/

Sneem Folklore & Story Telling Festival 8-10 November, Kerry Celebrating story telling, Ireland’s oldest form of entertainment 

www.sneemstorytellingfestival.com/

Pick a Pod We are pretty keen on these Pods and have put them on our wish list for 2014. Founded

by David Griffin in 2011, the pods are basically wooden huts – but far more hip - and perfect for modern day camping/glamping. While you can of course purchase your own pod and put it on a piece of land – there are also 7 different locations throughout the country where you can go and stay in a pod on holidays.

Insulated, heated and durable they are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. We also love that they are being manufactured in Kerry. For more information about the entire range and where you can stay in a pod – check out their website: www.podsireland.com/index.html 6 Isle Summer 2013

 Dublin Book Festival 14-17 November, Dublin City, Co. Dublin Poetry readings, author discussions and more.

www.dublinbookfestival.com/  National Crafts & Design Fair 4-8 December, RDS, Dublin Your 1 stop shopping for Christmas with 500 Designers, artists and craftspeople.

www.nationalcraftsfair.ie/  The Gathering at Leopardstown 26-29 December One of the top social events in the sporting calendar.

www.leopardstown.com/Leopardstown/Home/

Designer to the Stars

Off the Beaten Track

Michael Regan-Waugh and Trish O’DonnellJenkins started their company Wild West Tours in 2011. Their philosophy for travelling throughout Ireland is to take small groups for intimate tours that drive up small country roads, meet the locals and let their guests take time to “feel” each place as much as see them. If you are looking for something different and at a slower pace – this is the tour for you. Expect great things in simple places. www. wildwestirishtours.com/

New App for Limerick Just eight years ago- designer Marion Murphy Cooney launched her career as a fashion designer. Now she’s dressing stars such as Mariam O’Callaghan, Lorraine Keane, Maura Derrane, Celia Holman-Lee and Lisa Fitzpatrick. Her first ready to wear collection MMC - AW 2013 has just launched and you can purchase pieces in her newly opened shop - Design Atelier.

Her shop also has a wide range of accessories, jewelry and lingerie plus you can avail of her couture service.

The Design Atelier, Friar Street, Nenagh Co. Tipperary www.marionmurphycooney.com/

The Limerick Live App is now available for visitors, residents and commuters in Limerick and surrounding areas. Check out the events guides and vouchers. This will come very in handy especially for next year when Limerick is City of Culture 2014.

You can download it FREE here

www.imericklive.ie/

Summer 2013 Isle 7

taste

ISLE

Compiled by Lila Connolly

Products and Ideas Tickling our Taste Buds

Upcoming Festivals and Events: Wicklow Wild Foods Day 16 November 2013 Brooklodge Hotel & Marcreddin Village Co. Wicklow www.brooklodge. com/foodanddrink/ wildandwicklow. asp Belfast Beer Festival 3 Day Celebration of Beer and Cider 21-23 November 2013 Ulster Hall, Belfast www. belfastbeerfestival. co.uk/ Food & Wine Magazine Christmas Show 22-24 November RDS Main Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin www. foodandwineshow. ie/home/

8 Isle Autumn 2013

Food Innovation

At the Dingle Food Festival earlier this month – we met so many amazing “foodies” but one of the most interesting new products we discovered was iasc Seafood Butter. Created by James Grimes and Colin Ross from iasc Atlantic Seafood Company –it ended up winning Seafood Innovation of the Year 2013 at Blas na hÉireann/National Irish Food Awards during the festival. The butter is made using organic shellfish sourced from the pure Atlantic waters of West Cork, hand-harvested organic Dillisk seaweed from County Clare and pure Irish creamery butter. It can be used as a base for seafood sauces, risottos, pasta dishes, Hollandaise, rich flavoured glazes, as a filling in seafood steaksand pies or in a creamy purée potato. For more visit their website www.iascseafood.com/

Crispy Crumble

American Cate McCarthy recently launched her Crispy Crumble Mix. We tried it out at Con Traas’s Apple Farm in September and loved it. Cate’s business The Cookie Jar launched in 2007 and she sells delicious over sized American style cookies in chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and M&M flavours along with brownies and raspberry streusel.

We think this new crumble mix is the best way to enjoy the bumper crop of apples and blackberries this year. www.thecookiejar.ie

Raspberry Treat

In Skibbereen at the Taste of West Cork, also in September, our team discovered this amazing product – Raspberry Extra. This full flavoured raspberry essence this is great to use on cheese, hot & cold meats, as a marinade, over salad leaves or with strawberries and cream. We think we’ll toast in the new year and add to a sparkling glass of Prosecco. There is also a Raspberry Viniagrette.

Mr. Pettersen’s Raspberry Extra www.mrpettersens.com

Tasted

We discovered Barnhill Apple Cider at St. George’s Market in Belfast on a recent visit. They produce several variations of cider along with apple juice. You can find them in the market on Saturday or contact them to find out where else they are available: Barnhill Orchards: +44 (0) 28-3885-1190 www. discovernorthernireland.com/BarnhillFarm-Portadown-Craigavon-P11762

Autumn 2013 Isle 9

Win a short break at the

in Derry

The magnificent 4 star Everglades Hotel is one of Derry’s most luxurious hotels and is renowned for its warm North West welcome.

This bright and modern 64 bedroom hotel is just minutes from the nightlife, shopping and cultural heritage of Derry City. Guests can indulge in the culinary delights of The Grill Restaurant which creates a wide range of delicious dishes using only the finest locally sourced fresh produce.

Enjoy an Autumn Break from only £47.50 B&B (T&C apply).

Contact the hotel on 028 7132 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com Here is your chance to win a short break for two at the Everglades Hotel, including overnight bed and full Irish breakfast with Dinner in the Grill Restaurant.

10 Isle Summer 2013

Q. How many bedrooms does the Everglades hotel have?

Send your answer, along with your name and address to info@islemagazine.com by Friday, 10th January 2014. *T&C: Prize is valid for 6 months from date of issue and is non transferable. Prize is subject to availability at time of booking and certain dates will be excluded. Prize is for 2 persons sharing a twin or double superior room for 1 night on a B&B basis, with dinner in the Grill Restaurant (excludes all drinks). All additional spend at the hotel must be paid for by the winner. Travel to the hotel is not included.

museum

ISLE

Written by Susan Fitzgerald

Go Deep into History at Waterford’s Medieval Museum

Did you know that the first thing Waterford was famous for wasn’t glass- it was wine? In medieval times Waterford was chief importer of wines for these Isles, importing even more than England.

Waterford grew rich on this trade, and hiding underneath the Medieval Museum is the 15th century Mayor’s wine vault, along with the moody and gorgeous 700 year old Chorister’s Hall. Adding to the atmosphere, to get to these beauties you descend via an old stone round tower, though the Museum building itself is a stunning modern stone beauty. Full of artefacts both lovely and interesting, interactive displays, and a history that

Do y an unu ou know su we sho al museum uld fea ture Let us know – ? info@ islema gazine .com

may surprise you, the Medieval Museum is part of a trio of Waterford’s Treasures-- go discover!

Open all year, days & times vary with season. Adults €7, children under 14 in family groups free Visit www.waterfordtreasures.com/ for more information Susan Fitzgerald writes a blog called Vibrant Ireland which provides insider information & travel tips from Ireland and abroad. It was short-listed as Best PopCulture Blog for the Blog Awards Ireland 2013. www.vibrantireland.com/ Autumn 2013 Isle 11

www.bogstandard.ie

Make it Easier this Christmas Shop on-line for Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken and our “Beef Bonds” at James Whelan Butchers Order Today - Delivery Tomorrow *terms and conditions apply

www.jameswhelanbutchers.ie Or visit one of our shops.

Oakville Shopping Centre in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: +353 (0)52-6182477 Avoca in Monkstown Cresent or Rathcoole, Dublin 12 Isle Autumn 2013

book

ISLE

Written by Des Kenny

It is the time of year for people to hear knock knock on their door and to be greeted with “Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat” and what better way to prepare your Christmas cheer than referring to one of the better Irish cookery books published this year, Nessa Robins “Apron Strings Recipes from a Family Kitchen” The book has a wonder warm homely feel to it, just the thing needed for the family festive season.

The year 1014 marks the millennium of The Battle of Clontarf and no better way of preparing for this than reading Seán Duffy’s “Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf”.

Profusely illustrated, this book contains a wonderful insight into the Ireland of the time, the kingship of Brian Boru and the story of the battle itself in full detail.

Des Kenny highlights some of his favourites for Christmas

“The Great Blasket An Blascóid Mór A Photgraphic Portrait/ Portráid Pictiúr by Dáithí and Micheál De Mórdha” is a wonderful evocative photographic essay of the Blasket Islanders’ life both on the island and since the evacuation in 1953 accompanied with a bi-lingual text. For lovers of island life and not just in Ireland, this is a treasure trove.

When first published this Donegal classic, “Bogmail” created quite a stir. Now published in the New Island Modern Irish Classic series, it has fully lived the test of time, and re-emerges, along with Spike Millligan’s Puckoon and and Mervyn Wall’s “The Unfortunate Fursey” as one of great 20th century satiric classics. It makes for a most enjoyable read Des Kenny was born in Galway and a member of the Kenny Family who have been selling books since 1940. He was educated in Galway and Paris and jokingly says that he has been selling books since before he was born. You can purchase all the books he has reviewed from (FREE worldwide shipping) www.kennys.ie Autumn 2013 Isle 13

blog

ISLE

Full List of Winners 1. Best Great Outdoors Greenside Up

The Blog Awards Ireland were held on Saturday, 12 October - so this issue instead of highlighting just four blogs – we thought we’d bring you all the winners from the 2013 Awards. For a small country – we certainly have a lot of bloggers – and the list keeps growing. Lots of reading to fill the dark winter nights.

21. Best Newcomer

2. Best Music Blog Dublin Concerts

(started after 1st June 2012)

French Foodie in Dublin

4. Best Food / Drink Blog One Man’s Meat

22. Best Youth Blog Gourmet Dough

3. Best Popculture Blog Brand New Retro 5. Best Health and Wellbeing Blog

Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer

6. Best Technology Blog The Sociable

7. Best Photography Blog

Foxglove Lane Studio

8. Best Eco/Green Blog Greenside Up

9. Best Sport/Recreation Blog

Sports News Ireland

10. Best Blog of a SME One Fab Day

11. Best Arts and Culture Blog

The Irish Aesthete

23. Best Personal Blog

French Foodie in Dublin 24. Best Science/Education Blog Missmernagh.com 25. Best Humour Blog

At the Clothesline and With All the

Finesse of a Badger 26. Best Beauty/Fashion Blog Ol’ Green Eyes

27. Best Lifestyle Blog Greenside Up 28. Best Craft Blog Molly Moo

29. Best Group Blog Broadsheet

12. Best Designed Blog Molly Moo

30. Best Blog of the Diaspora Irish Fireside

32. Best Blog Post

LolaDee.com - Irish Graduate: The Reality

13. Best Mobile Compatible Blog Squidgy Moments

14. Best Blog of a Journalist Bibliocook

15. Best Podcast Blog The Sod Show 16. Best News/Current Affairs Radio Nation 17. Best Corporate Blog Chill Insurance Blog 18. Best Video Blog Forkful

19. Best Political Blog Jason O’Mahony 20. Best Blog in the Irish Language

Aran Songs

14 Isle Autumn 2013

31. Best Overall Blog Greenside Up

33. Glenisk Recipe Competition

The winner of the Glenisk inspired recipe

competition went to One Man’s Meat for his

recipe using Glenisk natural yoghurt.

Read the full recipe for Barbequed Lamb

with Yoghurt, Mint and Cumin.

All photographs by Cearbhúil Studios www.cearbhuilstudios.com/

About The

Amanda Webb is the founder of Spiderworking.com working with SME’s to help them develop social media strategies, offering them training and support. Prior to this she worked as an Assistant Director in the Irish Film Business working on productions such as Adam & Paul, Angela’s Ashes and various commercials for brands such as Heineken, River rock & Guinness.

In 2010 she co-founded the KLCK bloggers Network in order to encourage and support both business and personal bloggers as they learnt how to use both blogging and social media tools. In 2011 she took this one step further with Bloggers International co-managing their inaugural event.In 2012 she founded Blog Awards Ireland along with her KLCK colleagues and heads up the online marketing and project management of the event.

Winner of the Glenisk Beatrice Whelan is an award winning digital sponsored recipe competition communications, online PR and content marwas Conor Bofin of One Man’s keting professional with a strong background Meat. He is pictured with Mona in B2B marketing, search engine optimisation Wise former Blog Award winner and social media. With 10+ years experiand Vincent Cleary, Managing ence in multimedia development and digital Director of Glenisk. marketing; she started blogging in 2004 and has been designing and optimising websites and blogs since 2006. Beatrice works at Sage Ireland as Social Media & Content Specialist where she manages the online reputation of this FTSE 100 company in Ireland.

Lorna Sixsmith achieved finalist status for her own business blog Garrendenny Lane in the Irish Blog Awards and Social Media Awards (2011) in addition to achieving nominations in numerous business and marketing awards. Following the success with her business blog and usage of various social media tools, Lorna set up Write on Track in 2011, offering social media consultancy and training to SMEs who wish to develop and Winner of Best Youth Blog implement a successful social media strategy Evan O’Ceallaigh from Galway for their businesses. Lorna also blogs at Irish for his blog Gourmet Dough Farmerette and is currently writing a book entitled ‘Would You Marry A Farmer?

Organisers

Winner of four Blog Awards was Dee Sewell of Greenside Up. She is pictured with co-founders and organisers of the 2013 Blog Awards Ireland Lorna Sixsmith, Beatrice Whelan and Amanda Webb.

Winner of Best Blog Post was LolaDee.com who wrote about the new realities for Irish graduates.

Autumn 2013 Isle 15

Product

ISLE

This issue we asked 5 Women to tell us a bit about what makes Christmas and Ireland special to them.

Dee Sewell County Carlow

Dee writes a blog called Greenside UP www.greensideup.ie/.

She won 4 Awards at Blog Awards Ireland 2013.

What do you love most about Christmas in Ireland?

Christmas is all about staying at home with my family.

I love planning the Christmas food, the Christmas Day menu and shopping locally in Carlow and Kilkenny for presents in streets lit by sparkling lights. Santa still visits our house so I love the excitement on Christmas morning as our children walk into the sitting room and see their stockings hanging by the fire which we light as soon as there’s a space amongst the wrappings. I love that routine flies out of the window and that we can take long walks along the lanes that look down at the valley and mountains that surround us.

What is your favourite Garden to visit in Ireland?

Without a doubt Altamont Gardens in County Carlow where the planting is exciting to look at every month of the year. There’s a lake, river walk, 100 woodland steps to climb and now a tea room and garden centre, all making for a lovely day out. http://www.altamontgarden.com/

What 3 things make Ireland special?

The first without doubt gazing out of my window is its scenery. There’s not a day goes by when an element of Ireland’s natural beauty doesn’t strike me. Secondly the people -their warmth, charm, friendliness and sense of fun mean there’s never a dull moment and lastly the fact it’s steeped in Celtic history and lore - I can think of no other place I’d want to live.

16 Isle Autumn 2013

What do you love most about Christmas in Ireland? Cosy wood fires, the smell of the pine Christmas trees, walks across crisp fields, the fact that an unexpected sunny day puts everyone in such a good mood.

Your favourite Irish food product?

Fresh spot o’ dick with KerryGold butter and homemade raspberry jam http://kerrygold.com/ or http://kerrygoldusa.com/

What is your favourite Irish made item for the home? I Love Mayo’s Aw Go On print for the kitchen - lovely play on Father Ted, humourous and stylish. http://www.ilovemayo.com/

Favourite Book on Ireland? The Burning of Bridget Cleary by Angela Bourke - a report on 1895 when a farmer’s wife disappeared and was reported to have been burnt as it was believed she was a changeling. A fascinating book I read about once every 5 years.

ith Sixsm Lorna Carlow y Count

Lorna is a contributing writer for ISLE and she blogs at www.irishfarmerette. com/. She is in the process of writing her first book – Would You Marry a Farmer? (due out in November) Autumn 2013 Isle 17

What is your favourite thing about Christmas in Ireland? The run up to Christmas is insane in our bakery, orders everywhere and we thrive on the buzz and the Christmas spirit. The minute the last order is collected - we head to my parents house, where there is a roaring fire, hot ports and the wonderful smells of clove studded baked ham drifting from the oven. I steal little pieces when my mum isn’t looking!

Laura Kilkenny County Clare

Laura is the owner of The Wooden Spoon (a café and cooking school) in Killaloe www.facebook.com/ WoodenSpoonKillaloe

Christmas to us is a big family dinner, eating far too much and passing out for a nap on the couch!

Going for long walks in the fresh crisp air all wrapped up in new hats and scarves - clearing the cobwebs!

What Irish made product would you most like to receive? I have a huge love of ceramics.

When I grow up I’d love to be a potter, so anything made of clay really. I have a lovely collection from Mary Gleeson, and have my eye on some lovely pieces from local ceramicist Andrew Whitelaw - a young man destined for great things!

My cookbook addiction always needs a fix at Christmas time..and there are so many Irish books out at the moment. I would gladly make room for them all!!!

Your favourite place to holiday in Ireland?

West Cork springs to mind straight away. But really, I’d love to take a week off and actually take the time to enjoy my home town of Killaloe to enjoy the fantastic food, great cafes, cruises on the lake, walks in the mountains, water activities, great night life and fantastic festivals. The Limerick Milk Market on a Saturday morning is also only 20 minutes away.

18 Isle Autumn 2013

Dorcas teaches classes on nutrition and writes a blog - she believes that you can change your life with food. www.dorcasbarry.com

What do you love most about Christmas in Ireland? Swimming in the sea on Christmas Day.

Dorcas Barry County Wicklow

What is the thing you miss most about Christmas in Ireland? I miss my mother’s cooking. The kitchen usually looks like a bakery with all counter space utilized with cooling racks of fresh mince pies everywhere!

Tell us one of your favourite Irish food products? Ballyhoura Dried mushrooms A favourite Irish made product for the home?

Seavite Bath & shower gel http://www.seavite.ie/

What is your favourite Book on Ireland? Believe it or not ‘Peig’ is my favorite book. I have 2 copies.

- one in Irish and the other in English.

Do you have a favourite Irish made craft beer?

Knockmealdown porter, Eight Degrees brewing, cork.

Where is your favourite place to holiday in Ireland? Anywhere in West Cork What 3 things make Ireland special to you?

A, our sense of celebration, B, our curiosity C, our ability to deal with change.

Rachel Gaffney Texas USA

Originally from Cork, she has a business called Rachel Gaffney’s Real Ireland www.rachelgaffneys. com/REALIRELAND/ HOMEPAGE.html

Where is your favourite place to holiday in Ireland? It has to be West Cork and the Dingle Peninsula What 3 things make Ireland special? The people, it’s history and the food.

Autumn 2013 Isle 19

Getaway

Dublin

Retreat

20 Isle Autumn 2013

Two great places to get away to on either side of the country – one in Northern Ireland in Derry and another in Dublin Written by Lisa McGee

I

In June of this year, my friend and I escaped to Dublin for a night away to go to a concert and as I’d been following Ariel House on Twitter and Facebook for some time now, I thought I’d finally stay there myself. We were booked into a junior suite that faced the quiet tree-lined street out front and it did not disappoint. The suite was very spacious with a four poster canopied bed and large contemporary bathroom with both a shower and bath. And while this was all wonderful, I have to say it was the breakfast that I was looking forward to most of all because Ariel House has quite a reputation for their amazing breakfast. As I expected, it was truly delicious and I’ve never seen my friend so content – she had the stack of pancakes with bacon and I had a poached egg with hollandaise sauce and salmon. The buffet table was laden with cereals and granola all served in Nicholas Mosse bowls and there was also a selection of Irish cheeses. While we had to head off after breakfast, in the afternoon they serve afternoon tea which is equally impressive.

It’s the perfect location for a weekend away in Dublin – close the city centre and yet removed enough to be a proper retreat.

Ariel House is located at 50-54 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; Tel: +353 (0)1 668-5512 www.ariel-house.net/ Autumn 2013 Isle 21

Getaway

Destination

Derry

I 22 Isle Autumn 2013

I

In July when I visited Derry to research the piece for our travel feature on the city, I stayed at the Everglades Hotel on the outskirts of town. Part of the Hastings Hotels Group, the Everglades was an ideal getaway location because it was so close to the city yet in a quiet spot.

I loved the simple contemporary décor throughout the lobby and restaurant and I can honestly say that the bed in my room had to be one of the most comfortable I’ve slept on in a long time.

But above all – it was the friendliness of the staff at the hotel which really impressed me. I know that with my American accent I was clearly a tourist – but the genuine hospitality I experienced was what stood out above all. Dinner my

first evening was in The Grill Restaurant inside the hotel and I enjoyed a delicious bruchetta with local goat cheese and then a hearty pasta, cheese and bacon bake that was delicious. Since I’m always interested as to where my food comes from – their little Food Provenance booklet sitting on my table was a welcome addition. I applaud them for highlighting their producers.

Be sure to ENTER the Competition The Everglades Hotel is running with us on page 10!

The Everglades Hotel is one of the city’s leading 4-star hotels and is located on Prehen Road, Derry BT472 NH; Tel: +44 (0)28 71321066 www.hastingshotels.com/ everglades-hotel/ Autumn 2013 Isle 23

Escape to the idyllic island of Inis Mór (one of the Aran Islands) and stay in this beautifully restored thatched cottage. 2 bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen and large bathroom.

Contact: Rebecca +353 (0) 87 1639630 Email: info@aranthatchcottage.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AranIslandThatchedCottage

Available to rent year round - weekends, mid-week breaks or week long. Sleeps up to 6.

We’re Spice Specialists We love all things spice! t: +353 (0)21 4637960 e: eatwell@greensaffron.com

TONGUETINGLIN’TASTETWISTIN’... SPICES!

For tips click onto http://www.greensaffron.com/videocookery

414257 Green Saffron Ad 119x50mm.indd 1

Be the High King of Ireland!

22/10/2013 15:17

The ultimate coastal retreat could be yours in what is sure to be a once in a lifetime sale.

The last home in Ireland, complete with 55 acres along the Atlantic Coast is for sale in Malin Head, County Donegal.

View videos, stunning photos and further information about this special place, the very last stretch ‘of Ireland’ at: www.malinhead.ie/MH/Sale.html For Sale by Private Treaty

Stories to Inspire This issue we travel north to Derry, City of Culture 2013 – meet the O’Hara family in County Sligo – bring you Irish made woollen products and tasty recipes for Irish beef

Autumn 2013 Isle 25

The

Maiden city

26 Isle Autumn 2013

Come face to face with history in the northern city of Derry where – after many years of strife – restored architecture blends with a contemporary arts and culture scene

Image Courtesy of DVCB

Written by Lisa McGee Photographs by Lisa McGee, except where noted

Autumn 2013 Isle 27

T

This summer I took my first trip to Derry. It had been on my list to visit for a long time and with the buzz about it as the City of Culture 2013 – this was certainly the year to do it. Not one to shy away from long road trips I drove from Nenagh to Derry in just about five hours. On the way up I drove through the heart of the country taking slightly more minor roads up through Athlone –on through Cavan, Enniskillen and Strabane. My hotel, The Everglades Hotel, was conveniently located just on the outskirts of the city.

I had dinner my first evening in the The Grill Restaurant in the hotel. (read more about my stay at the Everglades in the Getaway column on page 22- don’t forget to enter our contest too!). The next morning I headed out into the

28 Isle Autumn 2013

city – an easy cab ride from the hotel – and joined a walking tour of Derry given by Martin McCrossan of Derry City Tours. Sometimes I think it is great to go to a new place knowing very little about it as you get to experience it in a totally different way. Personally, I enjoyed Martin’s approach to the troubled history of this city, as it is not the easiest one to tell without some bias and one can certainly understand the passion and loyalty each side holds. The walls surrounding the city have been beautifully maintained and it was easy for our large group to walk along them thanks to their width. The views from the walls not only of the city inside but also the surrounding area gave one a great sense of the size of the city and Martin’s anecdotes about the city and its history gave me a great reference point before heading off into the city on my own.

Known as the maiden city because her walls were never breached – there are four gates into the main city – Bishop’s, Ferryway, Shipquay and Butcher Gates.

Autumn 2013 Isle 29

Image Courtesy of DVCB

After my tour I met my contact at the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, Karen Henderson and she took me to lunch inside the Derry Craft Village. This oasis in the heart of the city is bubbling over with creativity and we had a simple yet delicious lunch in Café Del Mundo located in the village.

There is a great guide called Craft in the City which I picked up and it highlights several artists along with the Craft Trail. After lunch I visited the Guild hall which was originally built in 1887 by The Honourable Irish Society and was opened in 1890. It has recently gone through a £9.5 million restoration and is now a key visitor attraction for the city. Built in a neo Gothic style it is decorated with Drumfrese sandstone, marble, oak paneling, ornate ceilings and stained glass windows.

My first day wrapped up with a bus tour around the city and outlying areas. The tour takes you through the city and then across the River Foyle over the Craigavon Bridge – a double decker bridge , past Ebrington Square and around back over the Foyle Bridge past the site in Ballyarnett where Amelia Earhart landed over 80 years ago.

After my tour, I headed back to my hotel

30 Isle Autumn 2013

for a short rest before heading off to a delicious dinner at the Custom House. My starter was crab cannelloni served with apple rocket salad followed by a delicious pork belly main and some glasses of wine.

I loved the stylish contemporary dĂŠcor and it was conveniently located near my hotel and also perfect for after dinner drinks elsewhere in the city.

Day two in Derry started with a visit to the Tower Museum which gave me a thorough history of the story of Derry – how it came to be-origins of its name- important events in time including the discovery of the wreck of La Trinidad Valencera

Autumn 2013 Isle 31

Image Courtesy of DVCB Image Courtesy of DVCB 32 Isle Autumn 2013

which sunk of the Derry coast in 1588 and was discovered some 400 years later by the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club. From there I walked to the Bogside and visited the Museum of Free Derry museum which focuses specifically on the story of the civil rights movement. Established by the Bloody Sunday Trust it tells the story from the people’s point of view who endured oppression and rose up against it. I then walked around the Bogside visiting the various murals and reading their stories. From there I walked back up to the walls and enjoyed a cup of coffee in Blooms Café, a literary café located right on the walls near Bishop’s Gate, before my next stop at St. Columb’s Cathedral.

St. Columb’s is the oldest building in Derry. Made of stone from local quarries, construction began in 1628 and was completed in 1633. For over 100 years the cathedral remained unchanged but various additions were executed after that including adding to the tower, the remodeling of the interior and an addition of a chancel and Chapter House. In 1861/62 when the interior was remodeled all the new oak work inside the cathedral was added. I was most impressed by the hand-carved pew ends – there are 214 in total and

Autumn 2013 Isle 33

34 Isle Autumn 2013

each of them has a different design.

Despite the various changes to the structure, to this day however, it still dominates the skyline of the city.

My late lunch on day two was in the Legenderry Warehouse No 1 next to the Guildhall where they serve simple locally sourced food and next door they have a great little shop that sells a lot of City of Culture merchandise.

After lunch, the fountains outside the Guildhall proved to be great entertainment for my friend’s children.

We then all walked over to Bedlam on Pump Street where there is a collection of shops inside including Hansel and Gretel with charming hand knitted items and the Little Acorns Bookstore.

Soon after that I had to hit the road back to Nenagh and decided I’d visit Broighter Gold (they make fantastic rapeseed oil and we featured them in our Premier Issue) on my way back so headed east to Limavady and afterwards onto Belfast and took the motorway back to Tipperary. In the end I think there was only about half an hour in the difference drive time. I cannot wait to return to Derry as two days was not enough time; however, I do feel I got a great sense of the city – its history, the friendly people and wonderful sights.

Autumn 2013 Isle 35

Planning Your trip to

Image courtesy of Museum of Free Derry

Derry

Here are some helpful sites to help plan your own trip to Derry. I highly recommend going into the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau at 44 Foyle Street as they are extremely knowledgeable and helpful for guiding you around the city.

Martin McCrossaning Tour of Derry www.derrycitytours.com/ The Guildhall www.derrycity.gov.uk/Guildhall/ TheGuildhall The Craft Village www.derrycraftvillage.com/

36 Isle Autumn 2013

City Sightseeing Bus Tour www.citysightseeingderry.com/ The Tower Museum www.derrycity.gov.uk/museums/towermuseum Museum of Free Derry www.museumoffreederry.org/ St. Columb’s Cathedral www.stcolumbscathedral.org/ Custom House restaurant, Queens Quay www.customhouserestaurant.com/ Legenderry Warehouse No 1 www.legenderrywarehouseno1.com/

Polish up on some Derry Phrases with The Wile Big Derry Phrasebook by Seamus McConnell.

(Guildhall Press, 2013). That way you’ll be able to understand when someone calls you a mucker – you should not be offended. I picked up my copy at the Little Acorn Bookshop www.facebook. com/LittleAcornsBookstore. They have a great selection of new and second hand books.

Turner Prize Comes to Derry: This year the Turner Prize will be coming to Derry as part of the City of Culture Celebrations. The exhibit will be held 23 October 2013 – 5 January 2014. Founded in 1984, it celebrates new developments in contemporary art. Each year the Turner Prize is awarded to a British artist under 50 for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work in the preceding 12 months.

For more information: www.turnerprize2013.org/ or www.cityofculture2013.com/event/turner-prize-2013/

My trip to Derry was kindly organized by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (www.derryvistor.com). I stayed at the Everglades Hotel in Derry - www.hastingshotels. com/everglades-hotel/.

For further information on Northern Ireland go to www. discovernorthernireland.com or Call save 1850 230 230

Autumn 2013 Isle 37

Ever wondered what it’s like to live and work in one of those big country houses? The O’Hara family in Coopershill House in County Sligo let us know Written by Barbara Collins

Slip away toSligo 38 Isle Autumn 2013

Autumn 2013 Isle 39

A

A funky baby buggy sits in the front hall of Coopershill House. It belongs to 20 month old Finn O’Hara. His ancestors stare down from the walls, immortalized in oil on canvas. This juxtaposition of the 18th and 21st centuries doesn’t jar at all.

The current owners, Simon O’Hara and his partner Christina are a thoroughly modern couple who happen to live in one of the most historic houses in County Sligo. They also happen to make their living from it.

You can stay in one of eight deliciously decadent bedrooms (or indeed their newly renovated Coach House) and make like Downtown Abbey is your life. Actually, it’s more like visiting old friends who just happen to live on a country estate. That’s how Simon and Christina want you to feel.

The fact that they personally welcome you with a hearty handshake and a genuine smile is a really good start.

Hospitality is clearly in the O’Hara

40 Isle Autumn 2013

genes. Simon told me his family has been welcoming visitors to this part of Sligo since the 5th century. Now that’s dedication.

It wasn’t automatic that Simon would end up taking over the family business. He told me how his people were keen to retire, but his older brother who works in Hong Kong didn’t want to come back to Ireland for at least a decade.

“My parents couldn’t wait that long and as it happens I had just come back from 7 years working in tourism in Mexico. I had always loved it here and after some surprisingly straightforward family consultations it was decided that I would take on Coopershill.”

Christina came to work at Coopershill at the same time. She’s a local girl who has known the O’Hara family and the house all her life. She’s not the only member of her family who’s worked here either.

“My parents had a contract cleaning

Autumn 2013 Isle 41

42 Isle Autumn 2013

business, so it was part of the annual calendar to come and do the carpets here.”

Christina had come back to Ireland after spending 8 years in London. She worked for a consultancy business in Sligo doing Marketing plans for other people, but she says she” wanted to do something for myself and decided to go to Ballymaloe for the 12 week cookery course”.

It was actually Simon’s mother, Lindy who first employed Christina. She knew that she’d trained at Ballymaloe House and wanted her to come and cook at Coopershill.

“I had done the course to scratch a cooking itch, but then Lindy asked me to consider the chef’s job, so I just decided to take the plunge.”

Christina says she learned a lot from Lindy in the kitchen and this made for a really smooth transition when she took up the reins full-time.

Her relationship with Simon started off on a similar slow burn. “It was like 50 First Dates”, laughs Christina. “Simon spent a lot of time in the kitchen in the afternoons.” “I Autumn 2013 Isle 43

had to do quite a bit of convincing” says Simon.

He won her round eventually though, and now they have 21 month old Finn running around the place.

Now that he’s a toddler, I wondered how he managed to protect the many antiques dotted around, but Christina says he’s stayed away from them- so far. What’s more tricky is the age-old problem of work-life balance. Most parents will say that’s a challenge, but it must be even more so when you live and work in the same place.

Simon admits that it can be tough.

In high-season 18-hour days are not uncommon, but he says they have a good support system in place.

“Finn’s childminder lives close by and he loves going there. We have lots of family on both sides and the 44 Isle Autumn 2013

staff who work here are great with the little one, so that really helps.”

“We do try to make the most of the quieter days. We visit family and we love to get out and walk the estate and feed the deer” says Christina. “I fit in the odd shopping spree, and Simon de-stresses with a chainsaw. He loves to get out and chop wood.”

Like most people in the hospitality industry, their holiday time is in the winter, so that’s when they tend to get away. If no-one’s staying on a particular night, Christina says they sometimes close off that day but that often turns into a laundry day or getting the Aga serviced.

It’s clear that Simon and Christina work very hard and they’re doing well despite the recession. Simon says they have had to innovate.

“We do make a living here, but it’s not particularly lucrative. We sell our venison and preserves and that’s going well, so

we’re going to put in a food preparation facility downstairs, so we can expand that side of the business.

“We’re also upgrading the road and the gate and we have various environmental projects on the go. It’s all about investing for the future”, says Simon.

Speaking of the estate venison, we got to taste it when we stayed for a night. It was high season and the place was nearly full. Our Yellow Room suite was a dream.

The half-tester bed and period bathroom Autumn 2013 Isle 45

Things to do Nearby ticked all the boxes. We loved the pre-dinner drinks by the fire downstairs in the stunning drawing room.

Dinner was opulent but without the stiffness that usually comes with eating in a room with ancestral paintings on the walls. The prawns in a saffron sauce were a joy but the star was the Coopershill venison with vegetables from the garden. It was tender, and worlds away from the overly-gamey meat I’ve had in the past. Simon clearly knows his wine, too and the list was one of the best I’ve seen.

No-one can have insomnia in a place like this.

There is no noise to distract you and not much in the way of technology. As Ariana Huffington puts it, this is where you can “unplug and recharge”.

A word to the wise, though. Leave the tight trousers at home. You won’t eat for three days after the breakfast!

46 Isle Autumn 2013

Visit Yeats - You’re in Yeats Country here, so make a day of it and visit some of the places made famous in his poems ­– such as the Isle of Innisfree, Lough Gill, Slish Wood, Dooney Rock & Lissadell House.

Yeats is buried according to his wishes in the churchyard at Drumcliffe, “in Benbulben’s shadow”.

Lunch and a Seaweed Bath - Go to Strandhill and immerse yourself in iodine goodness at Voya Seaweed Baths. www.celticseaweedbaths.com/ After a bracing walk on the this beautiful beach, enjoy lunch afterwards at the funky Shells Café and Little Shop. www.shellscafe.com/ Track down your 5000 year old ancestors

at one of Sligo’s many Megalithic graves.

Those Stone Age types didn’t do one-sizefits-all graves like we do. Choose from Court Cairns, Passage Graves, Portal Dolmens, Wedge-shaped Tombs and Hill Forts. This is as far away from mass tourism as you can get and the views are stupendous. www.thestandingstone.ie/2011/06/ carrowmore-megalithic-cemetery-co-sligo. html Coopershill House is located in Riverstown, Co. Sligo. Tel: +353 (0)71 9165108. It is an Ireland Blue Book property. For more visit either www.irelands-blue-book.ie/ or www.coopershill.com/

Barbara Collins is a BBC journalist who splits her time between her husband’s farm in Galway and her Belfast city base. She is a member of the UK Guild of Food Writers and writes for various publications. She is on Twitter @foodandfinds or www. barbarasfoodandfinds.wordpress.com

Autumn 2013 Isle 47

Charity

ISLE

This season of giving – please consider donating to Irish Charities.

Spina Bifida

Did you know that Ireland has the highest rate of Spina Bifida in the world?

Even in America, the highest rate of Spina Bifida occurs amongst those of Celtic descent.

Literally meaning “split spine”, it is a birth defect involving the spine and nervous system, often resulting in paralysis of the legs, and affecting most bodily functions.

Hydrocephalus, known as water on the brain, means that there is a blockage of the flow of fluid around the brain, requiring a valve to be inserted into the head. 85% of those with Spina Bifida also have Hydrocephalus.

The Mid-West Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association, formed in 1968, and it provides a multitude of services, free of charge, to over 100 members and their parents/carers in Limerick, Clare, and Northern 48 Isle Autumn 2013

Tipperary. They offer physiotherapy, orthotics, counseling, special equipment, computer classes, cookery, leadership/ self awareness development, parental support, social activities, confidence building, respite, wheelchair sports, and much more. It is a regional charity, less than 30% funded, and they rely heavily on fundraising to continue to provide services. Every cent raised stays local.

This year they are honoured to be selected by Munster Rugby as one of their Charities of the Year. www.spinabifida.ie/

Irish Horse Welfare Trust

Established in 1999, the Irish Horse Wefare Trust helps the plight of horses in Ireland.

Now more than ever – due to the recession – they need help for rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing horses throughout the country.

Donate now- apply to re-home or leave a legacy to IHWT. www.ihwt.ie/site2/

The Jack and Jill Foundation

The Jack and Jill Foundation provides direct funding to families of children with brain damage who suffer severe intellectual and physical developmental delay. With much needed funding families can purchase home respite care. www.jackandjill.ie/

Barnardos

Help change a child’s life this Christmas. Looking out for children all over Ireland – Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962. They work with vulnerable children and their families and campaign for the rights of all children.

They bring home into situations where sometimes hope is lost. www.barnardos.ie/

The Toby Fund

A portion of profit from sales of Toby’s Cider goes to the Toby Fund which was set up to help sick children and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Craig and Karen began making their cider commercially in 2008. The cider is made 100% with apples all grown within walking distance to their farm in County Armagh.

They decided to devote a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the Toby Fund in honour of their son. www.tobyscider.co.uk/index.html

Autumn 2013 Isle 49

50 Isle Autumn 2013

We’ve gathered up some warm winter products made in Ireland Written by Lisa McGee

Winter

Woollens Autumn 2013 Isle 51

Foxford Woollen Mills

A

At this time of year -when autumn leaves are turning shades of yellows and orange, the winds pick up and evenings are dark and long – there is something instinctual that makes us want to wrap a scarf around our neck, layer up with woolly jumpers or curl up by the fire under a cosy throw.

There is a rich history of weaving and knitting in Ireland and while there has been tremendous change marked by recessions and the introduction of synthetic materials – thankfully there are several big woolen mills still in existence and there has certainly been a recent resurgence in knitting. Key mills include Avoca in County Wicklow which started in 1723. Foxford Woollen Mills in County Mayo was started by nuns in 1892. Cushendale’s roots in

52 Isle Autumn 2013

Avoca

Foxford Woollen Mills

Avoca Avoca

Autumn 2013 Isle 53

John Hanly

Graig-na-managh, County Kilkenny began as early as 1204 and their current mill has been in the family for several generations.

In County Cork, the Blarney Woollen Mills started in 1823 and in Tipperary, John Hanly started in 1893 but the Kerry Woollen Mill has been in existence since the 17th Century.

54 Isle Autumn 2013

The youngest, Donegal Woollen Mill, started in 1953 and in the same county, Donegal Yarns finds it hard to exactly pinpoint when they started but it was circa 1890.

Traditionally Aran sweaters have been long associated with Ireland – their distinctive patterns and designs in their signature

Lisbeth Mulcahy Liz Christy

Lisbeth Mulcahy Fishermen Out of Ireland

Liz Christy

Lisbeth Mulcahy

Autumn 2013 Isle 55

John Hanly cream coloured wool have been purchased and worn by visitors to Ireland throughout the world. And while they are still readily available today – there are new updated versions being found in companies such as Fisherman Out of Ireland.

In County Kerry Lisbeth Mulcahy not only uses her weaving skills to create beautiful scarves and throws but she makes woven tapestries as well which depict the West Kerry Landscape. Married to the potter Louis Mulcahy – she runs Siopa na bhFiodóiri in Dingle – where you’ll find 56 Isle Autumn 2013

Cushendale

Foxford Woollen Mills

Cushendale Zwartbles blanket. This blanket is part of the new Zwartbles Collection which is a joint venture between Cushendale Mills and Zwartbles Ireland.

Zwartables sheep are originally from the Nederlands. These blankets were made using 97% Zwartbles wool and 3% Irish white wool. Travel Rugs and Bed Blankets designed by Suzanna Crampton with the assistance of Philip Cushen.

The design of the blankets is based on the Zwartbles sheep’s distinctive rich dark chocolate color and white markings, the four white stripes on the blanket. The two narrow stripes represent the white stockings on the back legs, the single broad white stripe is the distinctive blaze down their face, while the single white stripe is the white tip to their tail.

All manufacturing, from fleece to finish, took place at the Cushendale mill. all her work mixed in with other Irish crafts including her husband’s pottery pieces. In County Monaghan, another smaller scale weaver, Liz Christy, works out of Swallow Studio making vibrant scarves, stoles and throws.

Here we highlight a range of some of the pieces that can be found in Ireland today. This is by no means a comprehensive look at woven woolen and knitted crafts so we’ll continue to highlight more in the blog up on our website – but it will certainly give you a brief overview of what is still readily available throughout Ireland and perhaps, as is always our mission, will encourage you to purchase some Irish made products for your loved ones this holiday season.

Autumn 2013 Isle 57

Cushendale

Resource Guide: For more information on the companies mentioned in this article and for more links to other companies – these websites should be useful. We could not mention ever company in this piece but we’ve done our best to give you an overview.

In Cork: www.blarney.com/ In Donegal: www.fishermanoutofireland.com/ www.donegalyarns.com/ www.donegalwoollenmill.com/ In Kerry: www.kerrywoollenmills.ie/ www.lisbethmulcahy.com/ In Kilkenny: www.cushendale.ie/ www.zwartblesireland.com/ www.ccoi.ie/ In Mayo: www.foxfordwoollenmills.com/ In Monaghan: www.lizchristy.com/ On-Line: www.aransweatermarket.com/ In Tipperary: www.johnhanly.com/ In Wicklow and other locations: www.avoca.ie/home/ 58 Isle Autumn 2013

Fishermen Out of Ireland

Fishermen Out of Ireland

Autumn 2013 Isle 59

Cooking with Irish Beef

60 Isle Autumn 2013

Pat Whelan, a passionate butcher and farmer, has put together the only guide to cooking beef that the domestic cook will ever need.

Written by Pat Whelan and Katy McGuinness Photography by Joanne Murphy (Excerpted from The Irish Beef Book, Gill and Macmillan ©2013)

W

While he may be a fifth generation butcher, Pat Whelan is by no means traditional. He certainly knows how to “think outside the box”. I “met” Pat through Twitter, a place where he is very comfortable, several years ago. On his farm in Garrintemple, outside Clonmel, in County Tipperary, he raises Angus, Herford and Wagyu cattle which supply not only his flagship shop James Whelan Butchers in Clonmel but also his branch in Avoca in Monkstown, Co. Dublin (His third shop in Avoca Rathcoole just opened last week). The Monkstown location won the Best Butcher Shop 2013 from The Irish Times in September. Perhaps that has something to do with its unique contemporary design with glass walls where customers can view the butchers at work. James Whelan Butchers was also Ireland’s first on-line butcher serving customers through their website starting in 2004.

The Irish Beef Book is Pat’s second book – the first An Irish Butcher Shop came out in 2010. This book celebrates Irish beef and it also has clearly been influenced by the relationship he has between himself and his customers.

“As a butcher, you build up a great familiarity with the customer and their family. You pick up on their likes and dislikes, and you become part of their world, getting involved in their everyday life as well as the celebrations that happen in their homes,” says Pat. “Butchers are not chefs, but we are there to make suggestions for quick, easy to prepare meals that suit busy lives and as a source of advice and recipes when a customer decides to try a cut they haven’t cooked with before.”

We’ve pulled out a selection of recipes that we felt would appeal to the home cook but of course encourage you to buy the book itself as Pat includes chapters on steaks, roasts, the classics, quick, long & slow, burgers, brisket, meatballs and dude food plus pasta & pizza, pies and “the other bits”. You’ll never run out of meal ideas this winter.

– Lisa McGee Autumn 2013 Isle 61

62 Isle Autumn 2013

Braised Featherblade with Parsley and Horseradish Dumplings Makes 6

To Make Once you discover the poor, neglected featherblade you’ll be asking your butcher for it all the time. It braises beautifully, and the marbling of the meat makes for a satisfyingly rich sauce.

This is one for a winter evening, or for a weekend lunch after a bracing walk on the beach or up a mountain. You can of course make it without the dumplings, but why on earth would you deprive yourself of that pleasure?

Preheat the oven to 160° C/fan 140° C/gas mark 3.

Season the steak with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish and sear the meat in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Place the meat to one side.

Add a little more oil to the casserole dish and fry the onion, celery, carrots and garlic until softened, about ten minutes.

Return the beef to the dish and add the wine, stock, tomato puree, thyme leaves, bay leaf and mustard. Stir and bring to a simmer, then cover with a disc of greaseproof paper and the lid and place in the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender.

Ingredients 1.5 kg featherblade steak, cut into six portions sea salt black pepper 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or Irish rapeseed oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 celery sticks, sliced 2 carrots, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 250 ml red wine 500 ml beef stock 2 tablespoons tomato purée leaves from 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon English mustard for the dumplings: 15 g butter ½ onion, very finely chopped 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley 80 g breadcrumbs 1 large egg, beaten 3 heaped tablespoons creamed horseradish

Autumn 2013 Isle 63

Baked Beef and Almond Curry Serves 6

Ingredients 4 tablespoons groundnut oil 12 small green cardamom pods 2 x 5 cm cinnamon sticks 1.2 kg stewing beef – chuck would be perfect 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds 4 medium onions 20 g fresh ginger, finely chopped 3 tablespoons ground coriander ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 500 g natural yoghurt 100 g ground almonds juice of half a lemon

64 Isle Autumn 2013

To Make A delicately spiced curry that needs very little attention and does not take long to prepare.

Preheat the oven to 180° C/fan 160° C/gas mark 4.

Heat the oil in a heavy ovenproof casserole and add the cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks. Brown the beef in batches, setting to one side as they are ready.

Add the cumin seeds and let them pop before adding the onions.

Fry the onions until they start to turn pale brown. Add the ginger, ground coriander, cayenne and salt, and mix thoroughly with the onions.

Lower the heat and return the beef and any juices to the casserole, stir to coat the beef with the onion and spice mixture, add the yoghurt and stir to mix. Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture reaches a simmer.

Take a large piece of foil and cover the casserole, sealing tightly around the edges. Then place the lid on top and put the casserole in the oven. Bake for about 90 minutes or until the meat is tender, adding the almonds after about an hour.

Just before serving, add lemon juice and season to taste.

Serve with basmati rice and roasted cauliflower.

Autumn 2013 Isle 65

Traditional Pot Roast of Housekeeper’s Cut with Winter Vegetables Serves 6-8

To Make This is a forgiving pot roast that takes very little time to prepare and scant attention while it’s cooking. It is a hearty and economical family meal that will be much appreciated on a miserable winter evening. You can play around with the vegetables and use a combination of swede, celeriac and butternut squash if you prefer.

Preheat the oven to 150° C/fan 130° C/gas mark 2.

Heat the oil in a heavy casserole dish and brown the meat on all sides. Add the vegetables, garlic, herbs and stock. Season and cover with foil and a tight-fitting lid.

Place in the oven and cook for 2½–3 hours or until tender. Slice the meat and serve with the vegetables and cooking juices.

An accompaniment of champ, colcannon or a horseradish mash (featured on page 72 in the book) would be delicious.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or Irish rapeseed oil 2 kg housekeeper’s cut 4 small whole onions or shallots, peeled 500 g carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks 500 g parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks 2 heads of garlic a few sprigs each of fresh parsley and thyme 250 ml beef or chicken stock sea salt and pepper

66 Isle Autumn 2013

Autumn 2013 Isle 67

Steak Sandwich Ingredients 200 g hanger steak per person extra virgin olive or Irish rapeseed oil flaky sea salt black pepper 1 handful of rocket per person 1/3 baguette per person horseradish mustard crème fraîche dressing

To Make Hanger steak — also known as onglet — has a distinctive flavour that gives a run of the mill steak sandwich a delicious intensity. Ask your butcher to remove the sinew and prepare it for grilling.

Rub the steak with oil, season well and sear on a very hot pan for 3 minutes on each side, which will bring it to medium rare.

Leave to rest for 10 minutes while you make the dressing 68 Isle Autumn 2013

We will be giving away a signed copy of Pat’s book on the ISLE magazine Facebook page so be sure you LIKE our page and keep an eye out for the contest.

What they are saying about The Irish Beef Book......

‘Pat Whelan and I share similar values - a respect for traditional skill and craft. This book is packed with recipes that use every scrap of meat from the nose to the tail and provide a noble end for the animals he rears and butchers’ Darina Allen ‘It’s all about good local produce’ Rick Stein on Pat Whelan, one of Rick Stein’s ‘Food Heroes’ from the BBC series ‘I love Irish beef – I think it’s the best in the world’ Neven Maguire

Pat Whelan’s main shop – James Whelan Butchers is located in the Oakville Shopping Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; Tel +353(0)52 6182477 or www.jameswhelanbutchers.ie .

We recommend signing up for his newsletter to avail of his great on-line deals.

He has a second shop located in the Avoca, Monkstown Crescent Monkstown, Co. Dublin Te: +353 (0)1 202 0220 and a third location has just opened in the Avoca in Rathcoole.

Katy McGuinness is a restaurant critic and food writer.

Her work has been published in the Irish Times, The Irish Independent, The Sunday Tribune, Image and Image Interiors. She is a contributing editor at The Gloss and writes regular food features for The Sunday Times. Katy is a member of the Irish Food Writers Guild. She lives in Dublin with her husband and four children.

Autumn 2013 Isle 69