Travel Picks
Ireland - Small Island big reputation
Ireland is a timeless, age-caressed landscape steeped in history with a staggering natural beauty
Some people don’t believe that the Ireland of postcards really exists – until they come and see for themselves. A land that is ‘forty shades of green’ sounds like an exaggeration but when you are here and you see lush green fields, turquoise seas and rock formations that tip a nod to prehistoric times then you get just a sense what Ireland has to offer. Soft day they say, but the rain often isn’t soft, yet standing in a torrential downpour is remarkably cleansing and if ever you needed to know what it is to feel alive, it doesn’t come clearer than standing in an open space as the rain pounds down – ‘coming down in buckets’ they say here. What is life but to feel alive and in a place with wide open spaces, jaw dropping scenery, intoxicating fresh air and warm smiles; the essence of this island connects and injects a beautiful realization that you never want to leave. Ireland is a timeless, age-caressed landscape steeped in history with a staggering beauty. For
all its diversity there’s no false polish to Ireland; it is marvellously informal. So many places try to emulate the ‘sawdust on the floor’ of an Irish pub but when you wander into one (some are bar, store, gas station and funeral parlour all in one!) you know that you’ve arrived and you know that you just wandered into exactly what you hoped to find. Wherever you go in Ireland you’ll be blown away – sometimes quite literally. Brave the raging Atlantic on a crossing to Skellig Michael or spend a summer’s evening in the company of locals and you’ll experience an Ireland that has changed little in generations – probably the Ireland you most came to see. You will be overwhelmed by what is on offer in the simple every-day humdrum of life. The Irish personality is awash with humour, music, wit and craic. A hundred thousand welcomes? It seems excessive but in Ireland, excess is positively encouraged.
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Classic | Castles
Classic
Castles
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Classic | castles
Despite its remote location on the outskirts of Europe Ireland has been the subject of many conquests. In the 5th century BC, Celtic warrior tribes started making attacks on the island. The last of these tribes, the Gaels (meaning ‘foreigner’), divided the island into kingdoms. They put in place the basics of Irish culture; they implemented the Brehon Laws and their artistic style is still prevalent in modern Celtic design. Celtic tribes fought amongst themselves constantly so fortifications
were necessary to protect people and livestock. Some early surviving examples are as impressive today as they once might have been. Poulnabrone in Co Clare (translated as ‘hole of sorrows’) is a typical early burial chamber. When it was discovered it contained the remains of a newborn baby, six juveniles and 16-22 adults. The craggy stone of Poulnabrone stands out like an ancient alter amid the lunar Burren landscape.
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Classic | Castles
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Classic | castles
The castle has a rich history dating back to the 1400s when it was associated with the O’Donnell Clan, the founding fathers of Donegal. It is the only Irish hotel to claim a World Luxury Hotel Award and it was awarded the ‘World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel’ title for
five consecutive years. Within easy reach are many of Donegal’s magnificent natural attractions; Slieve League - Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Donegal bay, the Blue Stack Mountains and pristine beaches with some of the best surfing in the world.
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Classic | castles
The Cromwellian Wars in the 1600’s saw the mass destruction of many castles however Ballyhannon survived and was at one stage a prison for protestant prisoners under the ruling of Catholic King James II. More recently in 1969, an American oil heiress spotted and fell in love with the castle. Elizabeth Phillips Irwin, granddaughter of Frank and Jane Phillips (of Phillips Petroleum) was so struck by Ballyhannon that she sought out the owner and bought it. In 2002, Conoco Inc merged with Phillips Petroleum to form ConocoPhillips - the second
largest refining company in the United States. Elizabeth wasted no time in sending over the best engineers from the Texas oil rigs to oversee the reinstatement of the castle. Regrettably, Elizabeth stayed at Ballyhannon only a few times before selling it after her landmark divorce. The case set a precedent in New York legal history because her husband became the first man to get alimony from his wife! The old saying ‘if walls had ears’ certainly applies to Ballyhannon Castle. It’s pretty, unique and a once in a lifetime experience.
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Capital Fun | dublinbike
Freedom of the City The bike scheme covers an area of roughly nine square kilometres in the heart of Dublin’s city centre. This is an area where there is a high concentration of people living, working and socialising so when selecting the location of bike stations, the City Council located them close to amenities and attractions such as museums, parks and high end retail streets such as Grafton Street. As a result, all of Dublin’s major cultural attractions are within easy reach. You can breeze with ease around attractions including Trinity College; The National Museum; Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedral; Temple Bar; The National Gallery; The Old Jameson Distillery; The Guinness Storehouse; Dublin Castle and St Stephens Green. How does it work? This is a self-service bike rental system that is really easy to use. It allows you the freedom to travel around the city at your own pace and really enjoy all of the attractions at your leisure. You can rent a bike from one of many docking stations and when you arrive at your destination simply return the bike to any docking station in the vicinity. Dockings stations are distributed in close proximity to each other and are close to key attractions, so you are never far away from renting or returning a bike. How do I buy a ticket? Subscribers either pay €20 a year for annual membership or short stay visitors can take out a 3 Day Ticket for a mere €5. You can buy a 3 Day Ticket at bike stations with credit card terminals (which are listed on www.dublinbikes.ie). Payment is by credit card but trips less than 30 minutes in duration are free. After that a fee of 50c applies for one hour trips, rising to €1.50 for two hours, €3.50 for three hours and so on. For short term hire as a visitor, the 3 Day Ticket is the best option and will give you access to all the benefits of the service for a minimal fee. The scheme is open from 5.30am until 12.30am, seven days a week and you can return a bike 24 hours a day so day trippers or night owls are easily catered for. To date over seven million journeys have been made on CocaCola Zero dublinbikes exceeding all expectations and it is generally acknowledged to be one of the most successful bike sharing schemes in the world. With an average journey time of 13 minutes (from one attraction to the next) 95% of rentals are free as they are under 30 minutes. And given that many of Dublin’s major tourist attractions are also free or charge just a nominal fee, this is a fun and cost effective way to ‘do’ Dublin. www.dublinbikes.ie
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Capital Fun | Four Seasons
Within the Hotel there are an outstanding selection of dining options including the award winning ‘Seasons’ for breakfast and Sunday brunch, the recently restyled Lobby Lounge for relaxed dining and The Reading Room for more intimate lunch and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Dublin’s menus are based on seasonal ingredients from local Irish producers and suppliers with Chef Alberto Rossi producing his weekly, not to be missed, ‘Chef’s Table Menu’ this features a contemporary selection of Irish dishes inspired by the freshest ingredients and flavours. If you are looking for a spot of pampering after a day of sightseeing, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Dublin offers a fabulous selection of exclusive skin and body care treatments from Sodashi, an exclusive skincare and therapy line which uses only the purest natural ingredients. Together with its five star facilities including; separate men’s and women’s saunas and steam
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rooms, adjoining state-of-the-art gym, sunlit pool, heated whirlpool and courtyard, The Spa offers the perfect retreat after a busy day discovering Dublin. For those who would like to take a Whiskey Tour around Ireland, The Whiskey Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Dublin has an impressive collection of over 70 Irish Whiskey labels, one of the largest in the world, making it a good place to begin. Highly qualified bar staff who have trained in the art of whiskey tasting will take guests on a ‘Taste Tour’ of Irish Distilleries and reveal the secrets of this incredible tradition as well as introducing some of the most recently launched Irish Craft Beers or perhaps a perfectly poured Guinness. The fabulous Four Seasons Hotel Dublin has all that’s needed for a fantastic stay in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. www.fourseasons.com/dublin
Capital Fun | fingal
Fingal’s
finest
Dublin Bay is a c-shaped inlet of the Irish Sea on the east coast of Ireland. The city sits at its heart and the bay extends like two outstretched arms hugging Dublin’s beautiful coastline. Some 10 kilometres of open spaces, wetlands, heritage sites and coastal villages make Fingal pretty special.
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Capital Fun | fingal
Newbridge House
F
ingal derives its name from the Gaelic words ’Fine Gall’ or ‘land of the fair haired stranger’ in reference to the Vikings who settled here from the 8th Century onwards. In fact Fingal’s rich heritage and long history are encapsulated in the many famous buildings, churches, castles, great houses and archaeological sites dotted throughout the area. The wealth of monuments, some dating as far back as 5,000 years, reflect the various periods of Dublin’s history from Viking occupation to the diversity of Anglo-Irish history and through to modern day bustling seaside and fishing villages.
Castles and Towers Christianity bestowed Fingal with a wealth of monasteries, churches and towers almost too numerous to mention. Some fine examples include the 6th century Lusk Round Tower with its attached tower house of 16th Century origin. Swords Round Tower in Swords is the remains of an early Christian foundation and St. Doulagh’s Church in
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Kinsealy occupies the site of a 7th century monastic settlement. Still watching out over the bay are the twelve Martello Towers which once formed a coastal defence system against invasion during Napoleonic times. Some have been converted into tourist offices, residences and recording studios – all are worth a visit as vivid reminders of a bygone era. Fingal is brimming with magnificent castles and stately homes, some dating back to the 12th century. Magnificent 12th century Malahide Castle; the 18th century Ardgillan Castle and Newbridge House are all open to the public and beautiful examples of a bygone era. Other castles currently under restoration include Swords Castle, a complex collection of medieval buildings built between the 12th and 14th centuries, Bremore Castle north of Balbriggan, Balrothery Castle, dating from the 13th century, Dunsoghly Castle - north of Finglas and Howth Castle, built in 1464 and still a family home that can be visited by request. The Howth demesne includes beautiful forest, a public golf course, a hilltop hotel and glorious views over Dublin Bay.
Capital Fun | fingal
Ardgillan Castle
Many of the beautifully restored historic buildings are set in extensive parkland which are home to some of Ireland’s finest gardens with superb displays of exotic flowers and plants. The classic contours of each demesne incorporate a wide selection of woodland walks, open spaces and sheltered picnic areas with some including wildlife parks, museums, art galleries, play areas, craft shops and tea rooms. Ireland is a country of rich variety and contrast and the Fingal area reflects this diversity with vibrant towns, tranquil rural retreats, sandy beaches, rugged coastline and peninsulas. The Blanchardstown/ Castleknock area to the south west of Fingal has three waterways, the Tolka, the Royal Canal and the Liffey Valley - beautifully contained between steep wooded hills around the famous Strawberry Beds. Buildings of historic interest include Luttrellstown Castle which was in ownership of the Guinness Family and the nearby Shackleton Mills, once owned by Ernest Shackleton the famous Antarctic Explorer.Â
Wide Open Spaces To the north of Dublin Airport lies the ancient town of Swords which was founded around a well associated with St. Colmcille. Now the administrative capital of Fingal, Swords boasts an abundance of shops, restaurants and pubs. The main attraction in the town, Swords Castle, was built from 1183 onwards to serve as an administrative centre for the first Norman Archbishop of Dublin. The area to the north of the Swords is rural in character with an unspoilt landscape and low population density. It has numerous sites of archaeological and historic interest and is in close proximity to the major heritage sites of the Boyne Valley. The landscape around the villages of Oldtown and Ballyboughal is one of large fields while the high lands around the Naul and Garristown afford panoramic views to the Mourne Mountains in the north and to the Wicklow Mountains in the south.
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Capital Fun | fingal
Coastal Villages Fingal is Dublin’s coastal region and all along the Fingal coastal corridor are picturesque villages and towns. Both Balbriggan and Skerries to the north boast working harbours, historic buildings, pristine beaches and coastal walks with views of offshore islands. Market gardens dominate the rich hinterland surrounding the villages of Rush and Lusk and much of the food served in Fingal is home-grown and locally produced. In fact the rich fertile lands of the area provide around 55% of the entire country’s fresh produce. Add to that the fact that Howth & Skerries, two of Ireland’s leading fishing ports, are located along Fingal’s 88kms of coastline with daily landings of fish and shellfish destined for local seafood restaurants.
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Nestled along the coastline are a variety of beautiful beaches beloved by residents and visitors alike. This coastal strip is a mecca for water sports offering sailing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and leisure boating. And with seven offshore Islands to discover, a boat trip is a must. The Donabate Portrane Peninsula enjoys no less than six top class golf courses and two of the finest and safest beaches in Fingal. Close by are some of the beautiful wetlands and estuaries at Rogerstown creating an enchanting backwater with a huge store of wildlife. At Broadmeadows in Malahide the sea’s incursions has created a lake and wetlands with a rich habitat; it and the Baldoyle estuary are a dream for water sports and a sanctuary for migrating birds.
Capital Fun | fingal
Magical Marinas Further south the Howth Peninsula possesses some of the finest scenery in Ireland. The potential of Howth as a playground for the people of Dublin was first exploited a century ago and day trippers love the treasure trove of hilly, winding streets around Howth village – not to mention the fun pub atmosphere and fantastic food in The Abbey Tavern. Howth’s leisurely ambience, wonderful scenery, friendly people and charming restaurants and bars make this a top pick for visitors. Fish is fresh and plentiful here with colourful trawlers landing daily and you can buy the catch of the day right at the quayside or have it cooked for you in one of the many quayside cafes. A bracing walk along the sea wall afterwards is always pleasing and affords a fabulous view of Lambay Island, Howth hill and the sound of seagulls clamouring for an easy meal. Alongside the trawlers a modern yachting marina and glamorous boat club sit proudly reflecting the old and the new maritime tradition of the area. Howth is easily accessed by the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) system; It is the last stop on the Howth line and for the savvy tourist, a first stop for a fantastic day out.
Equally lovely and hugely impressive is the marina at Malahide, a cosmopolitan resort with old seaside charm. Malahide is a charming heritage town boasting boutiques, restaurants, trendy bars, a vibrant village atmosphere and historic buildings. The area first became a settlement after the arrival of the Vikings in 795 who used Malahide Estuary as a base. By the early 19th century, the village had a growing population and it became popular in Georgian times as a seaside resort for wealthy Dublin city dwellers. Some fine examples of Georgian architecture still exist in the town and along the seafront where some are now pretty guesthouses and restaurants. Also easily accessible, Malahide is easily reached by Dublin Bus or train which takes you into the heart of Malahide village from Dublin City centre. For all of its attractions the biggest draw to Malahide is its famous castle, home to the Talbots for eight centuries and occupied by the family right up to the 1970’s when it was sold to the Irish State and subsequently opened to the public. Malahide Castle is a fine example of 12th century aristocratic living; hugely impressive and with easy accessibility from the city by public transport, it is simply not to be missed. www.fingaldublin.ie 43
Capital Fun | malahide castle
Medieval
Magic
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Capital Fun | malahide castle
One of the oldest and most historical castles in Ireland, Malahide Castle was both a fortress and a private home. A short hop from Dublin takes you on a journey 800 years into Ireland’s past.
M
alahide Castle, is a magnificent and historic 12th Century Castle located on the beautiful North coast of Dublin. The Castle is situated in the heart of the picturesque seaside village of Malahide. Set on 260 acres, Malahide Castle is one of the oldest in Ireland making it one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions.
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Capital Fun | malahide castle
The Castle was built by the Talbots, an English family who arrived in England during the Norman invasion with William the Conqueror. Richard Talbot came to Ireland in 1174 and in 1185 he was granted the lands and harbour of Malahide by King Henry II for his “war-like” services in the Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland. With the exception of a short time during the Cromwellian period the Talbot family resided in Malahide for the next eight centuries. On entering the castle, visitors have the opportunity to browse through an interactive interpretive area on the ground floor, retelling the history of the Talbot family and not forgetting their ghostly residents. The castle has featured on America’s Most Haunted and it is said to have not one but five ghosts! Castle tours are carried out by informative and friendly guides daily guiding visitors through the historic reception rooms on the first floor including the magnificent Great Hall where banquets are often catered for. Up the sweeping staircase are the
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beautiful bedrooms which overlook the vast 260 acres of parkland and West Lawn. Portraits from the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland adorn the walls throughout which adds to the castle’s rich history and ambience. A ticket to visit Malahide Castle includes admission the famous Talbot Botanic Walled Garden. Here, gardening enthusiasts and visitors can learn about Lord Milo Talbot’s passion for gardening and travel. Lord Milo was responsible for bringing new and exciting species of plants from the southern hemisphere, creating this uniquely charming botanical garden. The Castle and gardens offer a delightful day out for all the family, visitors and locals alike. In the visitor center you can wind down at Avoca Cafe where home baked scones, cream teas or delicious fresh cooked meals are served overlooking the botanic gardens and greenhouses – sheer bliss in a gorgeous seaside setting. www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie
Capital Fun | bram stoker
characters will be as welcoming, caution is advised as ghouls and disembodied hands may reach out to grab you from the most unlikely of places! In-keeping with Dublin’s literary connections the world famous US based Literary Death Match will see four authors pitch their words and wits in literary battle and comedic irreverence in front of a panel of three ‘expert’ judges. For those who want to dress up in their finest bloody threads, there will be an opportunity to dance with zombies and stride among the dead together with hundreds of other participants for a thrilling walk through the city. Working with choreographer Megan Kennedy from Junk Ensemble this will be no ordinary dance-off as arms and legs go flying when Zombies face-off the Goths. For children, festival partners in Dublin’s Ark Theatre have cooked up Dracula’s Basement Spooky Sounds Laboratory where Dracula will raid The Ark’s music cupboard for all their weirdest instruments and put them in his sound lab in the basement. The Ark will also present Minnie & the Illywackers Family Halloween Concert, a warm and friendly musical event for families from this delightful jazz, blues and country band featuring Dracula inspired songs, sounds and gothic pumpkins. All sorts of ghoulish fun can be expected including a Gothic Masquerade Ball, Blood Food Cookery classes and trips into the Underworld of Dublin City.
Ray Yeates, Dublin City Arts officer said of plans for the 2014 festival, “We’re looking forward to channeling Dublin’s darker side for the Bram Stoker Festival 2014. It’s going to be a fantastic and unexpected bank holiday weekend full of gothic horror. What’s particularly wonderful about Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the fact that he can be attractive, enigmatic, terrifying and abhorrent all at the same time, which is a really shocking blend of characteristics that we can’t wait to bring to life on the streets of Dublin. John Concannon, Director of Market Development at Fáilte Ireland said of the festival, “Fáilte Ireland is delighted to support the Bram Stoker Festival, a uniquely Dublin event which showcases our Bram Stoker legacy and the global ‘Dracula’ brand within a highly interactive programme. This year’s programme is perfectly positioned to lure overseas visitors to the home of Bram Stoker to be thoroughly enchanted by the curiosities of his surprising city”. Bram Stoker Festival 2014 is brought to you by Dublin City Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. The festival is supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin Town, Dublin Castle, Office of Public Works, Dublin Festival Season, 98fm, Dublin Bus, LUAS and Entertainment.ie. www.bramstokerfestival.com #BiteMeDublin
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Inspiring People | FAIRY DOORS
“It is frightfully difficult to know much about fairies. Almost the only thing known for certain is that there are fairies wherever there are children” J M Barrie
fairies and families need to live by in order to co-exist. (Mum’s tend to love this bit!) The whole family sign the lease and leave it outside the fairy door overnight together with the little fairy bottle with the key for your fairy to collect. In the morning if the key is gone then you know that your fairy has moved in. Then the magic begins! Your fairy becomes an important part of family life. Fairies only come out at night when everyone is sleeping as if a human sees them, they lose a little of their magic. They have lots of different jobs to do at night; they help to blow away bad dreams, they collect teeth should they fall out and lots of other very important duties. You can write to your fairy and your fairy will always write back. Fairies also love to have pictures drawn for them too. The possibilities are endless. Believe and it will Happen On the 28th of August 2013 we launched our website and Facebook page. Within minutes we had orders. From that day we have grown and grown. We have
exported to over 60 countries and our little doors are in over 170 shops in Ireland. We had the honour of meeting Sheryl Sandberg in Facebook HQ – they contacted us directly and asked us to become a member of their SMB Client Council. We have developed four ‘Fairy Woods’ with four groups of Woodland Fairies living in parks in Ireland. We will soon have 12 Woodland Fairies in Barretstown – a dedicated Irish facility that helps rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness. Each Fairy Wood has 12 named fairies, all with different jobs and reasons for being there. Each wood also has a Worry Tree and a Wishing Tree. We have fairies living in the children’s’ hospice to bring hope and comfort to children and adults alike. We are very proud of the fact that our little doors bring joy to so many people in so many ways and for us the journey is just beginning. It is the most exciting voyage any of us have ever taken.” www.theirishfairydoorcompany.com 59
Inspiring People | Huggards Lake Hotel
Pioneers In Hospitality
There aren’t too many people who reach 100 years but three brothers in County Kerry have managed to hit this milestone, albeit in a professional sense. The three Huggard brothers who currently run The Lake Hotel in Killarney come from a family that pioneered hospitality in Ireland. The Huggards owned Ireland’s first family-owned hotel chain and as Niall Huggard explains, the secret to success is all about the very thing every hotel should supply in spades, Hospitality.
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Inspiring People | CLIFFS OF MOHER RETREAT
No Place Like Home MICHELLE AND MICHAEL MORONEY WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT THAT THEY ARE LIVING THE DREAM. IN MANY WAYS THEY HAD DREAM LIFESTYLES BUT IT WAS WHEN THEY RETURNED TO IRELAND THAT THEIR LIVES BECAME TRULY IDYLLIC.
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Travel Picks
Where land and sea collide; Where untamed beauty abounds. Welcome to a land of unforgettable experiences. For a small place, Ireland has plenty of impressive natural wonders. From dramatic rock formations built by a giant - if you believe the legend - to the highest sea cliffs in Europe, there’s plenty to get your camera snapping and your heart racing. The Fureys and Clancy Brothers rocked America with their rendition of ‘Clare to Here’ and if you come ‘here’ then you’ve got to experience the mighty roar of the Clare coast and seaboard.
had in less well-known spots such as the Mourne Mountains, Slieve League and Skellig Islands. And as if Kerry didn’t already have it all, it has the longest coastal section of the Wild Atlantic Way – the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. Keep driving in a southerly direction and you will be mesmerized by West Cork’s colorful villages, taking in Blarney on the way and maybe stop for some refreshment at Ballymaloe.
The Ring of Kerry is world famous for its wonderful scenery and places like Connemara and the Dingle Peninsula come close in terms of both fame and beauty. But there are jaw-dropping views to be
No matter where you go in Ireland it is inspiring, renewing, relaxing and invigorating. Our Travel Top Picks take you on a coastal rollercoaster. Enjoy the ride!
A
Journey
of Discovery
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Out on its
Own
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Right out on the edge of Europe, where Ireland’s highest mountains dip down into the wild Atlantic Ocean, is the ancient Kingdom of Kerry. This is the furthest west you can go in all of Ireland. “Next parish, Manhattan” they say here. And it’s partly this far-flung feel – that ‘away from the rest of the world’ experience that makes it so appealing.
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Main Street, Cahirciveen 72
Travel Top Picks | Kerry
C
ounty Kerry is Ireland’s premier tourist county. It is home to the world famous Lakes of Killarney, Ring of Kerry, spectacular Slea Head drive and Ballybunion Golf course. It’s a land where traditional Irish culture thrives, with Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht town of Dingle ‘Daingean UÍ Chúis’, where you are greeted with “fáilte romhat isteach” you’re most welcome here. They’ll know you’ve come a long way to soak up the beauty, the history, the culture, the fresh air, the adventure and the craic.
Kerry has been welcoming international visitors for over 250 years and it’s where the Irish themselves love to come for a grand time. There’s good food, fine pubs, quality accommodation, easy banter and live music to be found all over the county in lively towns and picturesque villages. This is great walking country, with glacial lakes, crags and cliffs and the greenest of fields and valleys, dotted with old stone walls and historic sites. It’s where Ireland’s only native wild red deer roam in the country’s first great National Park – the venue for the Global Adventure Summit in the fall of 2014.
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
This is the furthest west you can go in all of Ireland - Next parish, Manhattan
The earliest fossil footprints in the world were found at Valentia Island
Three huge mountainous peninsulas – Dingle, Iveragh and Beara – stretch out west into the Atlantic, circled by tourist routes (the best-known is the Ring of Kerry) and long-distance walking trails. Out along the Kerry coast, there are surfing beaches and golf links courses among the dunes.
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Tralee Wetlands
Kerry has the longest section of the new 1500 mile Wild Atlantic Way. This coastal drive includes many of the largely undiscovered hidden gems of the county, the coastal resorts of Ballybunion and Ballyheigue, the fishing port of Fenit, the monastic center of Ardfert and Tralee, capital of County Kerry, famous for its Rose festival and all weather attractions. Travelling south-west the route includes Cloghane/Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula where St. Brendan set sail for America a thousand years before Columbus. Further south is the Skelligs Ring, Derrynane House and planned town of Kenmare.
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula are the Blasket Islands where some of Ireland’s greatest storytellers lived
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Travel Top Picks | Kerry
Kerry’s islands tell mysterious and dramatic stories. There’s Skellig Michael lying ten miles into the Atlantic Ocean, where early Christian monks built a remarkable hermitage. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will shortly feature as the backdrop for the new Star Wars movie. Off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula are the Blasket Islands, where some of Ireland’s greatest storytellers lived. Their stories, written in Irish, are vividly recounted at the Blasket Island Heritage Center near Dunquin. And Valentia Island, accessible by ferry and bridge, where the earliest fossil footprints in the world were found and where the first transatlantic cable
came ashore – home to wealthy technocrats of the 19th century. And there’s another famous inland island too: Innisfallen in Lough Leane, the lake of Learning, near Killarney – where the Annals, telling the earliest history of Ireland were written. It’s no wonder that people are drawn here from across the world; to find the real Ireland in this ancient kingdom, out on the Atlantic coast. www.failteireland.ie Imagery by Stefan Schnebelt, www.stefanschnebelt.com 79
Travel Top Pics | Muckross House
Time
Travel “With one hand the past pulls us back and with the other it pushes us forward”
A
s trips down memory lane go, it’s hard to beat the traditional farms of Muckross House and Gardens where you can experience life in the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a trip to the well was still a daily chore for the housewife and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. The horse reigned supreme - all farming activities were carried out using horsepower and traditional farm
machinery. The rhythm of life followed a yearly cycle and the farmer’s activities were governed by the seasons and the weather. There are three separate working farms, each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The dwellings are furnished in traditional style complete with dressers, settle-beds and meal-bins. There is also a Labourer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge.
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Travel Top Picks | DINGLE
An Daingean ONCE DESCRIBED BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AS ‘THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH’ DINGLE IS A PLACE OF SPECTACULAR SEASCAPES AND LANDSCAPES SHAPED BY THE ELEMENTS WITH A WILD AND RUGGED COASTLINE OF STEEP CLIFFS AND WIDE SANDY BEACHES.
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Travel Top Picks | Dingle
T
his is a place where the mountains roll into the ocean and you can drive up into the clouds over Ireland’s highest mountain pass, the Connor Pass. There’s something wonderful about the shifting light as the weather blows in and through and a silver slither of sun shines on the sea, or a double rainbow appears above the Bay. The Dingle Peninsula is a place the Irish love to visit, but it’s still largely undiscovered by people from elsewhere. Apart, that is, from the artists, musicians and
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writers who come from across the world to live, eat and breathe authentic culture: real food, real talk, real stories and real ceol agus craic at music sessions and festivals across Dingle’s tiny settlements. Down here you can ‘throw a pot’ at Mulcahy’s Pottery or see fine Celtic jewelry crafted as it might have been hundreds of years ago. At John Weldon Jewelers in the centre of Dingle town you can watch handcrafted jewelry being made right before your eyes. Combining Celtic knot work with beautiful contemporary designs, John captures the magical ambience of his surroundings and heritage in his work.
Travel Top Picks | Dingle
The Dingle Peninsula inspires, it connects, it catches the heart offguard and it stays with you forever
The Atlantic roar provides plenty of fodder for creativity and for the global surfing and windsurfing communities, who find world-class sport here from the huge swells and southerly winds. This is a land rich with ancient history, with pre-historic sites and early Christian heritage - Celtic crosses, monastic ‘beehive’ huts and Ireland’s oldest stone-roofed church. It’s a long way to come. But it’s here that you’ll find the real Ireland: in the Peninsula’s thriving & unbroken traditions of language and music, folklore and storytelling, arts, crafts and artisan food. The little fishing port of Dingle – with its brightly coloured houses, its traditional pubs and its cosmopolitan, creative community – serves up some of the world’s best food. And off Slea Head - the most westerly tip of the Peninsula – lies a deserted village with a poignant past, on an archipelago
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that gave birth to Ireland’s greatest born-storytellers: the mystical Blasket Islands. The Dingle Peninsula has one of the largest Gaeltacht (gaelic-speaking) communities in Ireland so you’ll find many of the locals are bi-lingual – speaking Irish as their mother tongue, lovely lyrical English to their visitors, and often a mix of the two. Maybe it’s that living culture, deep-rooted and handed down through generations, that gives this place such a strong creative spirit. Maybe it’s the simple, natural vibe that lets you slow down and go-with-the-flow. Whatever it is, the Dingle Peninsula inspires, it connects, it catches the heart off-guard and it stays with you forever. www.failteireland.ie
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Travel Top Picks | Clare
Catch your
Heart
You can read all of the brochures in the world but there’s nothing like a real life account to tell the true story. Here Paul and Aimee Giametta share the experience of their first trip to Ireland.
“The transatlantic flight from New York to Shannon in Ireland touched down in just less than 6 hours. There are many things about Ireland that will strike you and leave you breathless but on our approach to Shannon, it was the green fields and wide open landscape that just enveloped us and soothed our senses as we embarked on the holiday of a lifetime in the Emerald Isle. The short journey by car from Shannon airport was a challenge; Driving on the right hand side on some pretty uneven surfaces called roads had its moments but suddenly, something clicks in the brain and before I knew it I was driving like a native as the green
countryside welcomed me, an American Tourist in the land of Myth and Mystic. Our first destination was Spanish Point, staying at The Bellbridge House Hotel. We loved the quaintness of the hotel and the idea of majestic sea view which we had seen in some advertising material. When we arrived at our destination we weren’t disappointed. There was a warmth in the welcome that is hard to describe. We felt like long lost relatives and the normal jet lag associated with long transatlantic flights was nicely parked as staff briefed us on what was to be the holiday of a lifetime.
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Travel Top Picks | Clare
Ballybunion
“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart” The Irish breakfast the next morning fired us up for a bracing day of discovery. The ‘Full Irish’ would set you up for anything and the aroma of fresh coffee and home-made scones was delicious as we ate heartily and soaked in the extraordinary view of the ocean right outside our door.
Doonagore Castle
After breakfast a stroll on nearby Spanish Point beach with the fresh Atlantic air blowing in our faces was the stuff of dreams. Jet lag was but a memory and we were making a whole lot of new ones. This was only day one of our Irish holiday and we were living the dream. The stories about legendary Irish hospitality and the exquisite landscape had enraptured us completely but nothing could have prepared us for what lay ahead as we spent the next two weeks exploring this unbelievable countryside. Our entire holiday covering Clare, Galway and Kerry was without question one of the most magical experiences I have ever encountered and key to the entire holiday was the warmth, affection and the
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hospitality of the owners and staff of Clare Coast Hotels who pulled out all the stops so that every step of our journey was a voyage of discovery. We loved Lahinch – a pretty little seaside village that the Irish themselves come to in droves over the summer. It has lots to offer in terms of accommodation including the lovely pub style Shamrock Inn, a top notch guesthouse, Lehinch Lodge or the Atlantic Hotel right on the ocean with views to die for. We felt like we’d found heaven on earth. In Lahinch our every whim was catered for. We were provided with invaluable local knowledge on every aspect of Irish life, from the music to the history of the area to the local legends. The Irish love telling stories and boy did we enjoy listening. The nightly music in the hotel bar provided a welcome respite from a hard days sightseeing and we have great craic without having to leave the hotels – which was just as well because the mind might have been willing but the feet weren’t able.
Travel Top Picks | Clare
Sunrise on the Burren
The exposed limestone landscape that covers 155 square miles of County Clare is often described as a moonscape. This is not the green Ireland of postcards but walk across the rocky expanse and you will discover an abundance of plants growing in the cracks and crevices (known as “crikes�). The unique combination of weather and stone delivers conditions that support arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants giving The Burren brilliant colour amid an arid beauty.
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Travel Top Picks | Clare
Cliffs of Moher
The scenery all around is jaw-droopingly beautiful. It is a fascinating place at every turn. The Burren just draws you in with it ancient history and loony (lunar!) landscape. The rocky terrain looks like nothing can grow here but it is ancient volcanic rock so dotted throughout great chiasmic cracks are masses of colourful flowers and plants not seen anywhere else in Europe. The awesome landscape coupled with deafening silence on lunar planes is almost spiritual – it really gets into your very soul. Another day down, another memory made. We slept each night like babies. You can’t visit this area without taking in the Cliffs of Moher and they really are everything you expect and more. It’s no wonder poets, writers, artists, monks and anybody with a jot of creativity have hung out here over the years. If ever you needed a bit of inspiration or divine intervention, it’s here. We stayed on the periphery of the cliffs in Liscannor and Ballyvaughan. We loved the Cliffs of Moher Hotel and Logues Lodge – very family friendly and pure unadulterated comfort. Ballyvaughan is filled to the brim with history – with castles, wild open spaces and at least forty shades of green. Liscannor is a buzzy little tourist village with farm walls, houses, paving and walls built from Liscannor stone, the same grey slate stone of the mighty cliffs. The Logues Liscannor Hotel, also part of the Clare Coast Hotels family, stands tall at the edge of the
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Atlantic when entering this quaint village, with magnificent ocean views. All good things come to an end but it’s great to end on a high. Holidays can sometimes be eventful for the wrong reasons but a good bit of planning at the outset for my group and my family, meant our Irish holiday was bang on the money. We were captivated by the Irish landscape, the Irish charm and the Irish hospitality. We found life much easier to go with a family run hotel group that had hotels at every one of our intended stops and at a decent budget. For that I’d seriously recommend Clare Coast Hotels. It is fair to say that everyone involved in this magnificent extended family went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that we enjoyed our stay. With tear filled eyes we parted company with extraordinary people - real ambassadors for Irish tourism - and we returned to the land of the free. The experience will live in our memory forever. There are many things in life that will catch your eye but only a few that will catch your heart. To each one of you who opened your heart, your homes and your beautiful country to me and my family, a sincere thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Paul & Aimee Giametta, New Jersey, USA www.clarecoasthotels.com www.cliffsofmoher.ie
Findmypast | ???
Findmypast With nearly 80 million and growing, Findmypast is home to the world’s largest online collection of Irish family history records. Working in partnership with some of Ireland’s biggest archives, including the National Archives of Ireland, Findmypast bring you an incredible collection of records. On Findmypast you can: 〉〉 Trace the key events in your ancestors lives with 21 million Irish birth, marriage and death records 1845-1958 〉〉 Get back even further with free nineteenth century census records for Ireland 〉〉 Discover where your family lived with exclusive and essential Irish land records like Griffith’s Valuation and the Landed Estates Court Rentals 〉〉 Explore your ancestors’ murky pasts with detailed Irish prison and court records 〉〉 Uncover the military heroes in your family tree with extensive records from World War 1 and beyond 〉〉 Learn what life was like for your ancestors in millions of historical Irish newspaper articles 〉〉 Follow your emigrant ancestors around the world with passenger lists and travel records
〉〉 Delve into the most comprehensive collection of Irish directories and social history records anywhere online You can also build your family tree for free on Findmypast, keeping all of your relatives details safe and handy in one place. Why not upload images, add notes and use the Kinship Calculator to further enhance your tree? The records on Findmypast are not just from Ireland. If your ancestors moved around the world you can track them in records from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Highlights include: 〉〉 The largest collection of UK parish records anywhere online, dating back to 1538 〉〉 Complete US Census records 1790-1940 〉〉 Millions of family history resources from Australia and New Zealand to trace your ancestors who went down under Bring your family history to life now on www.findmypast.ie
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Travel Top Picks | Arigna Mines
I
t is just 24 years since the last coal mine closed in Arigna, Co Roscommon. A mere two decades since the last miner stood in front of the picture of the Sacred Heart on the crude altar at the pit entrance, blessed himself and headed into the darkness of the Arigna mine for a gruelling days’ work. It is a few short years but those years have brought a lifetime of change.
A day spent without sunlight or gentle breezes and in permanently damp or wet clothes, it was tough and dangerous
The coal mines of Arigna were a part of the landscape, the community and the way of life for those living in and around the beautiful iron mountains. The meandering paths which wind through bog and heather are known as ‘The Miner’s Way’ and it is not hard to imagine the men making their way across these paths in the early morning light, carrying their lunches and flasks for work at the coal face. A day spent without sunlight or gentle breezes and in permanently damp or wet clothes. The work was tough and dangerous. It was noisy, dusty and the fumes were often overwhelming. Despite this, many young lads looked forward to following their fathers into the pitch black pits at an early age. The coal in Arigna colliery was in seams which were never more than 20 inches high and were notoriously difficult to remove. The ‘face man’ cut coal while lying on his side using a short handle pick and shovel, often lying in pools of black water. He was also responsible for placing wooden props to prevent rock falls as he cut. He worked alongside
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a ‘drawer’ who loaded the coal into a ‘hutch’ and brought it back through the underground shafts to the weighing area. They were paid according to what they mined. The work was hard and the pay was small and no matter how little you did, you paid for it all. This was a world of dust, sweat, hard graft and pride in being part of the mines. It had to be done to face the gritty reality of feeding your family and maybe having enough money for a pint at the weekend. There was huge sadness when Arigna finally closed in the 1990’s. The first mines had opened in the 1700s and they had provided steady employment since that time sustaining the community through the difficult famine years and providing work when there was little or no other industry in the area. The mining tradition was a part of the fabric of life at Arigna so the community mobilised to preserve the heritage. The Arigna Mining Experience Visitors Centre opened its doors in 2003. Former miners became tour guides leading visitors, school trips and tourists into the depths of the mountain for a unique insight into a working mine. A 45 minute underground tour with sound and lighting effects offers an authentic mining experience. The fact that miners who once worked the pits are now accompanying groups into this subterranean world is one of the mining experiences best assets. The questions they have been asked over the years have ranged from intricate technical details on mining methods to practical queries
Top Travel Pics | Island of light
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Top Travel Pics | Island of light
In many ways Ireland is a miniature of Europe with so many different landforms and environments within a few square miles of each other. Ireland is one of the few places where you can photograph a sunrise on a sandy beach, catch the morning light in the mountains and then visit an old ruined castle, yet only travel half a mile in the process. The weather may not be its best asset but the variation and diversity of the seasons in Ireland is hugely attractive to the photographer. Winter storms whip up out of nowhere providing the most unique photographic opportunities and the light – well there are no light reflectors needed here. In Ireland the sudden change in weather alters the light so dramatically, so beautifully, this island is a photographers dream. As they say in this lovely place, Is í Éire mo dhán – Ireland is my poem. www.stefanschnebelt.com
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Travel Top Picks | Blarney Poison Garden
Medieval Magic at
Blarney Castle
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Art & Craft | Killiney Arts
Art on a
Plate
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” - William Morris
U
seful and utterly beautiful, the Killiney Arts bone china tableware collection was created by two Irish landscape artists – Simon Hoe and Blaithin Quinn. Simon and Blaithin wanted to create art in a functional medium that would be used daily where one could enjoy not only the picture but the shape and character of the piece. Bone china, a beautiful material in itself, is a perfect base for delicate art and it is hugely practical. “We present a collection of high-quality prints and dishwasher proof bone china pieces celebrating the special character of Ireland” explains Simon.
There are two ranges, ‘Coastal Studies’ by Simon Hoe and ‘Burren Images’ by Blaithin Quinn. Simon first picked up a pencil before his first birthday – or so he is told! Scribbles turned into sketches, which in turn became paintings. The watercolour sketch seemed to capture the spirit of the place and the moment and it is these that finally made their way onto the bone china.
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Together Simon and Blaithin have designed a tableware collection that allows you to enjoy a beautiful piece of the Irish landscape in your hands each time you have a coffee, or a bite to eat. The collection sits alongside a stunning range of watercolours capturing Irish scenes so you can immerse yourself in your Irish heritage. Simon concludes, “We found that putting your painting around a cup or mug turns it from a static image into a journey. You are obliged to view only one part at a time, you can never see it all in one go, you have to move it around – or walk around it – to see the journey unfold. There’s focus and a tiny bit of mystery and discovery there”. So whether you want to dine like a king or enjoy years of pleasure from a stunning Irish watercolour, look no further than Killiney Arts.
www.killineyarts.com
Art & Craft | Killiney Arts
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Claypipe Centre | Art & Craft
Pipes, Bogs &
Wishes In Ireland the expression ‘put that in your pipe and smoke it’ doesn’t necessarily mean you are being given something to smoke but it does refer to the tradition of pipe smoking; when something is shoved in your face then there’s not much else you can do but smoke!
For almost 300 years Knockcroghery in County Roscommon was renowned for the production of clay pipes or’ dúidíns’. By the late 1800’s virtually the entire village was involved in the manufacture of the pipes which were distributed throughout Ireland. Clay Pipes were smoked by both men and women and were the pipe of the common man. They were particularly popular at wakes where trays of tobacco-filled pipes were laid out for the mourners. After the pipes were smoked they were broken while saying ‘Lord have Mercy’. This custom was often repeated at the grave side where the broken pipes were laid on the grave. Production of dúidíns ceased when the village was burned by the Black & Tans in 1921 but today Ethel Kelly is reviving the craft at her Claypipe Visitor Centre – a centre that houses a number of traditional crafts in a pretty cottage location. Using original moulds from the late 1800’s, Ethel makes clay pipes with the same skills employed by artisans centuries ago. Traditional craftsmanship renders each pipe a unique, authentic Irish craft piece. Ethel also embraces Irish tradition with hand painted Ogham Wishes. Ogham writing is Ireland’s ancient script found inscribed on ancient stones and in sacred places throughout Ireland’s rural
landscape. At the Claypipe Centre each Ogham ‘wish’ is individually painted on hand made paper and beautifully framed in a contemporary black wooden frame. Also framed for posterity are fabulous little Bog Buddies – gorgeous hand crafted two dimensional buddies cut from Irish bog thousands of years in the making. In Ireland bogs originally covered an area of around 1.2 million hectares, about 17% of the land surface. Today there are over 600 bogs and there are several in County Roscommon so Ethel and her brothers Anthony and Vinny found a novel way of sending little pieces of Ireland all over the world to be buddies with their new owners. Bog Buddies are cute characters cut from turf framed in the Knockcroghery workshop. Little pieces of Ireland are sold all over the world in beautiful art that is charming and unique. Particularly popular for wedding presents are the bride and groom buddies – little gingerbread bog shapes complete with veil and love heart. A thousand years in the making and thousands of years of tradition all under the roof of the lovely Claypipe Visitor Centre. www.bogbuddies.com www.oghamwish.com
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Art & Craft | FadÓ
Fadó
Fadó Childhood memories are so precious, utterly irreplaceable and evocative of happy times. These memories are often linked to stories and in Ireland we start a story with the words ‘fadó fadó’ meaning long ago.
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Solvar | ART & CRAFT
CLADAGH
Rings CLASPING LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP WITH BOTH HANDS
The Claddagh, Galway
Solvar have introduced a new range of 10k Gold Claddagh rings. With over 65 years of tradition and experience in the jewelery business, Solvar wanted to make gold affordable again. They have expertly crafted a new range of 10K Irish Hallmarked Gold Claddagh rings as an addition to their 14K collection. The Claddagh ring was first created over 400 years ago. A gift of love, crafted in Ireland, it echoes a tale of devotion, retold over centuries. Once upon a time, so the story goes, a young Irish sailor was captured and sold into slavery. Far from his native land, he held the memory of his sweetheart deep in his heart. He never forgot her. Years later, on his safe return to Galway his gift to her was a Claddagh ring. Forged with the skills he
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had learnt during his imprisonment, it was a token of his enduring love. “With these hands I give you my heart, and I crown it with my love”. You can add your own chapter to the story even now by how you wear it. On your right hand with its heart facing outwards, it shows that your own heart is not yet taken. Turn its heart inwards and you’ll let admirers know that love is a possibility. But if you wear it on your left hand, with its heart turned inwards towards your own, there can be no doubt. It tells the world: two hearts have joined together forever. Wear it and be part of a never ending love story. www.solvar.ie
Art & Craft
1920’s style draping hair pearls and clear Swarovski crystal headpiece adds a vintage accent to a wedding look.
Coralline Reef Earrings with Tahitian pearls
Wild Posy Twist Ring with 0.35ct Diamonds, 18ct Yellow Gold
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Store Stories
Fine Irish clothing from Mucros Weavers 140
Store Stories
The Wee Tartan Shop Stewart Bennett was born in Dumfries, Scotland and lived in Annan in the borders. His family emigrated to Canada in the great exodus of the late 50’s. Stewart moved to Uxbridge in 1990 and got involved in the local theatre and bought a pub. He then continued to support his Scottish Heritage and started ‘The Highlands of Durham Games’ and he was Chairman of this exciting event for 13 years. Stewart was very active in community theatre and performed many lead roles on stage and he also directed ‘Brigadoon’. Stewart was involved with the start up of the Highlands of Durham Scottish Country Dancers and put a singing group together called Claidhmor who continue to perform at Celtic Festivals, Roy Thomson Hall, Burns Suppers and Corporate Events. The
group are producing their fourth CD, “Claidhmor salutes Robert Burns”. Stewart opened ‘The Wee Tartan Shop’ on Queen Street in 1998 and has brought a little bit of Scotland to Port Perry. Four years ago, when the federal government officially recognized ‘Tartan Day’, Stewart put a parade together which this year was the only parade in Canada on Tartan Day. April 6. His love of his homeland was so evident that people wanted Stewart to take them to Scotland so he set up a company, Stewart Caledonia Tours and has been taking people to Scotland and the UK for 10 years. New Zealand is on the list for 2015 as well as a Golf tour, Scotland tour and a tour of South West England.
Port Perry, Ontario, Canada www.theweetartanshop.com
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Store Directory | NACTA
Coveny Lane 7223 W Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130 Tel: 708-209-1880 Website: www.covenylane.com Contact: Margo Coveny Rodriguez
Failte Irish Import Shop 113 South Upper Street, Lexington, KY 40507 Tel: 859-381-1498 Website: www.failteimports.com Contact: Liza Hendley
Betty Rohman, Harp & thistle Imports, Peoria Heights, IL whose customer won a trip to Ireland!
Irish Sea Celtic Shop 117 Bridge Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 Tel: 502-223-9946
Gaelic Imports 6346 West Gunnison, Chicago, IL 60630 Tel: 773-792-1905 Website: www.gaelicimportschicago.com Contact: Mary Ann Jones & Suzanne Dunne Harp & Thistle Imports Ltd 4605 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616 Tel: 309-688-5668 Website: www. harpandthistleimports.com Contact: Betty Flanagan Rohman Heartland Gallery The Vault Arts Collective, 100 N. Main Street, Tuscola, IL 61953 Tel: 217-377-4502 Website:
www.heartland-gallery.com Contact: Jan Chandler The Irish Boutique 434 Coffin Road, Long Grove, IL 60074 Tel: 847-634-3540
Website:
www.IrishSeaCeltic.com Contact: Bill Leroy
Molly’s Celtic Center 931 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204 Tel: 502-459-9888 Website:
Irish Imports Teahans 600 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: 773-427-7763 Website:
www.irishimportschicago.com Contact: Mary Rose Teahan
South Side Irish Imports 7725 W 159th Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477 Tel: 708-444-4747 Email: irish3446@gmail.com Contact: Linda & Ron Gorman IOWA
The Irish Shop 100 N Oakpark Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 Tel: 708-445-1149 Website:
www.theirishshopoakpark.com Contact: Jim & Anne August
A Celtic Tradition 7672 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, IA 50324 Tel: 515-278-8302 Website: www.2celts.com Contact: Kris & Garry Knapp
Irish Sisters Imports 312 South Third St, Geneva, IL 60134 Tel: 630-208-9300 Website: www.irishsisters.com Contact: Peggy Smith
Shamrock Imports 391 Bluff St, Dubuque, IA 52001 Tel: 563-583-5000
www.irishboutique.com
Paddy’s On The Square 228 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, IL 60047 Tel: 847-634-0339
Contact: Patrick Barry
Website:
St Pat’s Association & Irish Gift Shop 1001 South Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 Tel: 712-852-4326
Website:
www.irishboutique.com Contact: Patrick Barry The Irish Boutique 6606 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Tel: 815-459-1800 Website:
Irish Connoisseur 1232 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL 60025 Tel: 847-998-1988 Website: www.irishirish.com Contact: Megan Quinlisk Van Treek
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www.irishboutique.com Contact: John Barry
MAINE Celtic Moon Rising 272 State Street, Brewer, ME 04412 Tel: 207-989-9699 Website:
www.celticmoonrising.com Contact: Lorie Garnett
Linda Clifford Scottish & Irish Merchant 91 Main Street, Bethel, ME 04217 Tel: 207-824-6560 Website: www.lindaclifford.com Contact: Linda Clifford
Website:
www.shamrockjeweler.com Contact: Michael & Judy Siegert
Website:
www.emmetsburgirishgifts.com Contact: Billie Jo Hoffman
South Side Irish Imports 3446 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60655 Tel: 773-881-8585 Email: irish3446@gmail.com Contact: Linda & Ron Gorman
www.mollyscelticcenter.com Contact: Sandy Nedrow
KENTUCKY Celtic Trends 140 E Main St, Midway, KY 40347 Tel: 859-846-4966 Website: www.celtictrends.com Contact: Clare McCarthy
MARYLAND Irish Traditions 35 North Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-819-3663 Website:
www.irishtraditionsonline.com Contact: Margaret McLemore
Irish Traditions 141-143 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-990-4747 Website:
www.irishtraditionsonline.com Contact: Margaret McLemore
Store Directory | NACTA
Anne & Al Gleine, owners of Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland, Dublin OH, pictured at Dunluce Castle, County Antrim.
Lennon’s Irish Shop 164 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 Tel: 518-377-0064 Website:
www.lennonsirishshop.com Contact: Mary Ann
& Dale May Little Shop of Shamrocks 173 Islip Avenue, Islip, NY 11751 Tel: 631-224-4311 Website:
www.littleshopofshamrocks.com Contact: Linda Low Manor Irish Gift Shop 70 Covert Avenue, Stewart Manor, NY 11530 Tel: 516-328-8975 Website:
O’Ireland 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Tel: 732-747-4433 Email: oireland@msn.com Contact: Paul Savoi O’Ireland 130 North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ 08879 Tel: 732-525-0515 Website: www.oireland.com Contact: Rosanne Savoi Out of Ireland Store #22, 3 New York Road, Historic Smithville, NJ 08205 Tel: 609-748-6707
NEW YORK Cashel House 224 Tompkins St, Syracuse, NY 13204 Tel: 315-472-4438 Email: mjc2526@yahoo.com Contact: Mary Jo Coleman Celtic Aer Gift Shop 1451 Strawberry Rd., Mohegan Lake, NY 10591 Tel: 914-526-3361 Website: www.celticaer.com Contact: Ashley Rooney
www.shopoutofireland.com Contact: Kathleen O’Gara
Website:
Pipeline Celtic Themes 128 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 Tel: 973-839-4761
www.celtictreasures.com Contact: Paul O’Donnell
www.celticthemesusa.com Contact: Gerald Rooney
Website:
The Pipers Cove 212 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 07032 Tel: 201-998-3695 Website: www.piperscove.com Contact: John & Joan Nisbet
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Irish Crossroads Ltd 18 Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782 Tel: 631-569-5464 Website:
www.irishcrossroadsonline.com Irish Import Shop 2590 Ridge Road West, Rochester, NY 14626 Tel: 585-225-1050 Website:
www.irishandcelticimports.com Contact: Patricia Lloyd
The Danu Gallery 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965 Tel: 845-735-4477
Website:
Email:
guaranteedirish145@ yahoo.com Contact: Donal Gallagher
Contact: Kathleen Quinn
Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Tel: 518-583-9452
Website:
Guaranteed Irish 2220 Route 145, East Durham, NY 12423 Tel: 518-634-2392
www.thedanugallery.com Contact: Isabel & Audrey Haley
The Irish Store 5 Jordan Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Tel: 315-685-6230 Website:
www.theirishstoreinc.com Contact: Roy Floyd
www.manoririshgiftshoppe.com Contact: Richie O’Shea
McNerney’s Irish Imports 4545 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 Tel: 716-870-0033 Website:
www.mcnerneysirishimports.com Contact: Michael McNerney Molly Malone’s Irish Gifts 295 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 Tel: 518-668-3363 Website:
www.mollymalonesirishgifts.com Contact: Bill & Emily Manion Tara Gift Shoppe 250 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220 Tel: 716-825-6700 Website:
www.taragiftshoppe.com Contact: Mary Heneghan
Tipperary Celtic Jeweler - Irish Importer 3956 NY 2 - Brunswick Road, Troy, NY 12180 Tel: 518-279-8272 Website:
www.tipperarytrading.com Contact: Tom McGrath