Vol 1, Issue 7 • Spring / Summer 2015 • $4.95
TWIN Towns
ID2015 Year of Irish Design
GENEALOGY Irish
Hot Spots 02
In Association with
The North American Celtic Trade Association
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74470 26857
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Arts & Crafts | ???
​ leadh Cheoil na hÉireann, taking place F in Sligo between 9-16 August 2015 is the biggest traditional Irish music festival on the planet, a week-long jamboree of music, song and dance, not to mention late nights and family fun!
www.fleadhcheoil.ie 4
Spirit of Ireland | WELCOME
Welcome
2014 was a record year for tourism with visitor numbers from the United States and Canada up by 15%. With the favourable dollar rate and reduced fuel costs, 2015 looks set to be a bumper year and the welcome mat is out for family and friends visiting from USA.
EDITOR
Trish Phelan trish@devlinmedia.org
MANAGING DIRECTOR John Hogan
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Tommy Quinn
PRODUCTION MANAGER Joanne Punch
SALES MANAGER Dermot Kelly
DISTRIBUTION
North American Celtic Trade Association Celtic Marketplace Tourism Ireland Barnes & Noble
PHOTOGRAPHY Tourism Ireland Failte Ireland Stefan Schnebelt
COVER CREDIT
‘Cottages’ Stefan Schnebelt www.stefanschnebelt.com
It can be hard to plan a trip with so much to see but we try to give you a few tour highlights. Better still, check out the amazing value packages from CIE International who have been bringing visitors to Ireland for over 82 years. Their annual Awards of Excellence highlight the fantastic destinations that you can visit and we drop in on several award winners in this issue. When it comes to awards there is no shortage of talent in the Irish design industry. 2015 has been designated the Year of Irish Design (ID2015) with the Irish Government and the Design and Craft Council of Ireland committed to showcasing Ireland on the world stage. Of course the best of Irish craft is available every day in Irish stores all over the USA and Canada who open their doors and their hearts to customers old and new. We are delighted to partner with the North American Celtic Trade Association bringing a little ‘Spirit of Ireland’ to America via these special stores. As always we drop in on a few to hear their stories. Passing tales from one generation to the next is very much the Irish way. We look at the fascinating story of the Irish emigrant experience and how it has forever linked our two nations. We show you how to discover your Irish roots and we take a peek at the root of Irish Independence, 1916 which will be celebrated in great style next year at the centenary of the Easter Rising. Dublin City Council are planning the biggest and best show ever and Glasnevin cemetery – where many 1916 heroes are buried – will have re-enactments and tours to tell the story of Irish history in a tangible and enchanting way. Jewelry and craft specialists too embrace the mood with oneoff pieces that are likely to become future heirlooms. It’s a bumper issue full of nostalgia, inspiration and success stories – Enjoy!
Trish
Editor
GRAPHIC DESIGN One Little Studio www.onelittlestudio.com
JP DEVLIN USA
76 Ellsworth Rd, Hyannis 02601 MA, USA
Whilst every effort has been made to make the information contained herein as comprehensive and accurate as possible the publishers accept no responsibility for additions, omissions or errors. No part of this publication can be copied or produced without the editor’s consent in writing.
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Spring / Summer | 2015
CONTENTS 09 ___ GO WILD IN IRELAND The Atlantic coast is as wild as it gets and guaranteed to deliver the most spectacular vacation
34 ___ SISTER CITIES Reaching out across the ocean sister cities connect Ireland and the USA in a very special way
66 ___ HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS From the warmest place in Ireland to cultural and heritage gems make sure to check out these holiday hotspots
77 ___ 1916 CALLING It was the culmination of years of oppression and the catalyst for Irish independence; One hundred years on Ireland prepares to celebrate in 2016
83 ___ FIND YOUR IRISH ROOTS With 39.6 million Americans claiming Irish roots Dermot McEvoy tells us how to discover your past online and on a visit to Dublin
91 ___ CAPITAL CITY A city bursting with charm and charisma, Dublin is a delightful cocktail sure to intoxicate
105 __ LEAVE IT TO THE IRISH Did you know that the Irish put the E in whiskey? Leave it to the Irish!
111 __ AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Over the last 82 years CIE Tours International has brought over three million visitors to Ireland. Their annual Awards of Excellence celebrate the best that the Island has to offer
121 __ YEAR OF IRISH DESIGN 2015 has been designated the year of Irish design tapping into talent from all over the island of Ireland and selling it to the world
153 __ OUT AND ABOUT News roundup from out and about, north and south of Ireland
163 __ STORE STORIES Stories of Irish stores bringing Ireland to Canada and the USA 7
Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
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Visit cozy pubs in the picturesque towns of Westport & Dingle, explore the changing scenery of the Connemara region and the awe-inspiring Achill Island, and more. Departs Mondays, April to October 13 days, Now $2247 – $2519
Enjoy stays at Ashford & Dromoland castles, gourmet dining, and the scenic vistas of Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League Cliffs, and Giant’s Causeway. Departs Fridays, April to October 12 or 13 days, Now $3945 – $4715
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All CIE Tours travel programs are protected by the company’s $550+ Advantage, a no-fee benefit guaranteeing that travelers are never charged for special features considered optional extras with other tour companies.
Contact NACTA Travel at
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Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
WILD By Name Wild BY NATURE
IT’S EUROPE’S MOST WESTERLY POINT AND ITS LANDSCAPES ARE THE CREATIVE FOOD THAT NOURISH ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST INNOVATIVE CRAFTSPEOPLE: COULD THE DINGLE PENINSULA BE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY’S MUST-SEE MOMENT?
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Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is 2,500 kilometres long. It holds within its grasp some of Ireland’s remotest villages, the tallest sea cliffs in Europe and a nigh-on embarrassing wealth of historical treasures. Add to that countless isolated beaches, a castle or fifty, classical gardens and an island home to a UNESCO protected site built by isolationist monks in the 6th century. To summarise, Ireland’s WAW is not an easy place to pick out a ‘must see’ spot. But… if you put a gun to my head, twist my arm and force me to choose, the Dingle Peninsula would be it.
Do you know the Mussel Man? The last time I visited Dingle I was hungry. Ravenous. And when you’re hungry in Dingle, you eat one thing, my favourite thing: seafood. Off with us (my seafood-aphobic partner and I), to Ashes, a type of don’tmind-me-I’m-just-a-modest-but-beautiful-traditional-pub kind of pub, subtly sunken into a dip on Dingle’s Main Street. A uniquely successful charm offensive had turned my mussel-sceptic partner round to the idea of slurping through an entire bowl of the wine drenched
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suckers. Worst-case scenario, she’d quit half way and I’d do the noble thing and finish the lot. I was still trying to wipe the ostentatious “What a cunning plan!” smile off my greedy face when the waitress delivered the bad news: they were all out. Squinting hard against big, heavy tears of disappointment, my partner took over the food negotiations. I vaguely remember some muffled bargaining over toasted sandwiches, but it was mere white noise. The afternoon, my week, month, year and life, were ruined. And then a hero came along. Dressed roughly in blue overalls, he appeared through the swinging doors like Wyatt Earp on a mission. Rather than holler “Who shot my Pa?!”, he stood there silently, jaw clenched, momentarily backlit with warm April sunlight. In his hand? A big, thick, netted bag bulging with hundreds of silvery blue, glinting mussels still with their beards on. He looked at the waitress, she looked at me, I looked back at her, and my love looked confused. Not a word passed between us, but we all knew (well, three of us at least): mussels were back on the menu. Only in Dingle.
Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
They must be kidding The American author, critic, poet and all-round smarty-pants, John Updike, is oft quoted as saying, “The true New Yorker secretly believes that people living anywhere else have to be, in some sense, kidding.” I’ve often thought the same of Dingle dwellers.
Louis Mulcahy Clothar Workshop
Let’s look at the facts: it’s extreme (Dingle’s peninsula eases jaggedly out into the Atlantic Ocean as Ireland’s most westerly point). It’s not just beautiful, it’s uniquely so (National Geographic famously called the peninsula “The most beautiful place on earth”). And yes, as if I hadn’t made the point already, the food ain’t half bad either (lobster, mussels, crab, oysters, scampi: you name it, I’ve devoured with it ne’er a thought of breathing in between). Most importantly, though, it has colour. The people have it; the food has it, the hot pink fuchsia bushes, gunmetal ocean and milk-froth sea foam have it. Get lucky one day and you might even catch the sun hanging over the Blasket Islands in a dreamy final few minutes of deep purple and hell-fire orange. In short, these are the images, the landscapes and the sunsets that drive craftspeople to create. Don’t believe me? Just ask Louis Mulcahy.
Moth, meet flame Is there anywhere more downright, unapologetically rugged & visually attractive as Clogher Head? If
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Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
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Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
there is, you can contact me (with photographic evidence) at idontbelieveyou@gmail.com For me, Clogher is the type of elemental scene that puts the ‘Wild’ in the Wild Atlantic Way. Waves don’t take any prisoners around here, and those cliffs, sea stacks and islands have been beaten into shape by millennia of Atlantic gales (as a child, I was charmed to be told that chilly drafts along the Peninsula were sometimes kept at bay by Jameson bottles filled with hot water and tucked under bed sheets. What happened to the bottle’s original contents needs no stretch of the imagination). From Clogher, around to the southwest, a strip of headland obscures the Great Blasket Island (An Blascaod Mór), evacuated on 17 November, 1953. On that day, an entirely Irish speaking population, battered, bent and almost broken by an extreme and isolated life, would leave to never return. From that same island, Ireland gained three literary legends: Peig Sayers, Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin. Their writings are arguably some of the most underrated in world literature.And while creative juices have always flowed forth pretty steadily from this part of the world, creative souls such as Louis Mulcahy, have also flowed towards it.
My Beautiful Day to Day With Clogher Head as its view for the last 40 years, Louis Mucahy’s Pottery Workshop, has, over time, settled itself snugly into a shallow rise in this most cinematic of locations. Originally born in Wexford, Mulcahy, and his Danish wife Lisbeth (a weaver whose, studio is based in Dingle town) moved to the Peninsula in 1975. As Mulcahy told Ireland.com in a recent interview, without the environs, there would be no pottery: “The colours of the sea and mountains around me are mirrored in my pots. Likewise, the massive winter waves exploding against our cliffs have driven my desire to create big sculptural works. I did not predetermine this. Rather, it is
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Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
a subconscious reflection of what I see as beautiful in my day to day.” He isn’t lying. If you thought the elemental elegance of the Dingle Peninsula couldn’t find expression in a giant vase, a pot-bellied teapot or the narrowing neck of a bedside lamp, you’d be mistaken. Glazed vividly with palettes ranging from blue, green, turquoise, red, Russet, yellow, browns, black, tenmoku (black), the collections aren’t created merely as functional items (my passion for such handsome and practical oven dishes aside), but as individually handcrafted odes to a place of unparalleled texture and grace. Of course, this illustration of Dingle through pottery is no fluke. Mulcahy is adamant that “what I was see around me had goes in to the pottery”. And there is that satisfying nearness about his creations. When the potter speaks of how “You get the lovely bluish green light closer in and a deep green outside” you can see that in the glaze. For
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heaven’s sake, you can touch it. When he opines, “On other days you see it varying to greys. The Mountain behind us [at the Clogher workshop] turns from brown to purple when the heather arrives” there is a bowl, a plate, a clock or a goblet to match that mood, that moment. If you’re lucky, it’s a plate and it’s sitting under a piece of lemon drizzle cake baked by Emer, his daughter-in-law, in, the café upstairs. And if you do end up in Emer’s café, chasing the final piece of pastry around a plate, think about where you are. Listen for the wind outside and the shingle filled waves creeping onto Clogher beach. Think about Jameson hot water bottles, mussel saviours and the empty, lonely Great Blasket. But most importantly, think how you’ve just visited the wildest place along the Wild Atlantic Way, and smile to yourself. Why? Because you know that if anyone ever doubts your story, what you’ve seen or where you’ve been, you’ll have the pottery to prove it.
Wild Atlantic Way | MULCAHY
HOME TO
IRELAND See the best of the Emerald Isle and stay in Superior First Class Hotels while visiting the Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford, Dublin and more.
Enter at any of the Irish & Celtic shops listed in this issue (page 179-184)
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Tí Linn is a unique Café,serving artisan cuisine which marries Irish traditional and modern tastes, and is renowned for it’s home baking and coffee by Illy. The craft shop has a large selection of local and national crafts, knitware and gifts, with something for everyone from the discerning shopper to the passing tourists.
Win CIE Tou ner of rs Inte “Gold A rnational war Excellen d” of ce an Best Vis d it in all Ire land
Teelin Rd, Carrick, Co. Donegal 2851_EAF_Advert_SpiritOfIreland.pdf 1 25/02/2015 Phone:(074) 973 9077
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Two weeks of theatre, music, visual arts, film, literature, circus & carnival on the northern most route of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Earagail Arts Festival would like to invite you to come and experience a wealth of unforgettable events in the spectacular surroundings of County Donegal. Over the last 25 years we have brought to this magical county some of the greatest internationally recognised artists and companies in music, theatre, visual arts, literature and outdoor spectacle. From movie screenings in forests and castles to innovative theatre, street arts and circus in gardens, parks and state of the art venues, our unique programme reaches out across County Donegal, so wherever you’re staying you’ll be able to enjoy a feast of entertainment located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. For more information visit: www.eaf.ie. Tour operators should contact: info@eaf.ie.
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Lig do scith at SLIABH LIAG IRELAND IS THE KIND OF PLACE MADE FOR TAKING IT EASY; ‘LIG DO SCITH’ THE LOCALS SAY, GAELIC FOR TAKE IT EASY.
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onegal is one of the largest Irish speaking areas in Ireland. It is a county with wide open spaces, a sparse population for its land mass and a coastline carved out by nature – as wild as it gets on the Wild Atlantic Way. The most cliché word associated with Donegal is ‘rugged’ but it’s hard to describe the county any other way. It has vast mountains including the Derryveagh range and the Bluestack Mountains while its sea coast with the impressive Slieve League cliffs offers outstanding views. It’s a view that has earned Slieve League a place on the great Appalachian Trail. The trail is roughly 300 million years old and it’s the only one in the world to span an ocean. Separated by tectonic shifts millions of years ago the once-shared mountain ranges of North America and Europe are again linked by the International Appalachian Trail.
In 2010 Donegal’s north-west coast was added to the trail with a watery gap (the Atlantic Ocean) separating the walk from its origins in Georgia, USA to Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs. And those cliffs, well nature at her most powerful and most wonderful carved out this spectacular sight. The Leagues path leads up to nearly 2,000 feet; twice the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and almost three times that of Clare’s Cliffs of Moher. Awesome and imposing, the cliffs include a heart-stopping stretch of trail, the aptly named One Man’s Pass. Novices are well catered for with routes such as Pilgrim’s Path offering the vistas without the vertigo. In Ireland you might be greeted with the words ‘Top of the morning’. Here at the Leagues it feels like you are on the top of the world. This area takes in a big chunk of the Irish speaking ‘gaeltacht’ so you can hear locals speak in their native tongue and maybe you can learn the ‘cúpla focal.’ You can certainly be sure of a few words
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from Paddy Clarke who runs the award winning Slieve League Cliffs Centre. Paddy was a deep sea fisherman for twenty years but now brings visitors on expeditions of discovery above ground on walking and hiking trips. He shows visitors the Napoleonic watchtowers built during British occupation. The towers were once the fastest way of communication, with a flag system in operation from one tower to the next. He can show visitors the Giant’s desk and chair, a massive rock formation visible from the cliffs. Legend has it that this was the desk of Fionn mac Cumhaill, the giant who built a path from Ireland to Scotland - The Giant’s Causeway. In fact if you are following the Appalacian Trail you can walk all the way from the Slieve League cliffs around the Antrim Coast and with the help of the Larne Ferry, end the trail in Scotland. After all that walking and fresh air a pit stop at the charming on site café Ti Linn is a must. A man with no shortage of skills, Paddy is also the resident barista at Ti Linn; he makes one of the best cappuccinos in Ireland. It’s a family affair here with Paddy’s wife Siobhan whipping up delicious
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homemade scones, cakes, cookies and deserts to serve up at Ti Linn. Her soups and seafood salads are legendary. On summer evenings the couple run fantastic traditional music events with wellknown national players. Winner of CIE Tours International “Gold Award” of Excellence and Best Visit in all Ireland 2010 & 2011, The Cliff’s Centre is all about local culture, food and crafts served with a warm Donegal welcome. Magnificent and unforgettable, this is an experience not to be missed.
Ceoil agus Craic at Earagail In these parts great hospitality is in plentiful supply and there’s no better way to work your way around the coast than to take in a bit of a ‘hooley’ along the way. If you’re lucky enough to be here in July then you can join the moving Earagail Arts festival. Since 1988 the festival has been on the road from Inishowen to West Donegal hosting cultural events in dance, drama, literature, comedy, visual arts, music and much more, all along the most
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Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
the castle | the lodge | the old stable mews the castle | the lodge | the old stable mews
A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland... A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland... A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland...
N N N
estled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient
woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great estled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great estled 1,000 acres of undulating Irish escape. countryside, dotted with ancient of character and on charm, it is the ultimate Irish rural Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Only 80 minutes from Dublinitand 60 minutes Castle Leslie Estate offers an idyllic setting for of character and charm, is the ultimate Irish rural escape. Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full from Belfast, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of outdoor activity and adventure. Explore the Estate
Only 80 minutesand fromcharm, Dublin it and 60 minutes Castle Leslie Estate anIreland’s idyllic setting of character the ultimate escape. accommodation and activities tois suit all tastes. TheIrish onrural horseback, enjoy offers some of finestfor coarse from Belfast, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of outdoor activity and adventure. Explore the Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic fishing, take in a movie at our private cinema,Estate Only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes Castle Leslie Estate offers an idyllic setting for accommodation suit all tastes. on horseback, enjoy some of Ireland’s finest coarse original interiorsand andactivities old-styletohospitality and isThe luxuriate in a relaxing massage in the Victorian from Belfast, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of outdoor activity and adventure. Explore the Estate Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic fishing, take in a movie at our private cinema, a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the treatment rooms, exhilarate in a abundance of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes. The on horseback, enjoy some of Ireland’s finest coarse original interiors old-style hospitality and is luxuriate in a relaxing in the Victorian social hub of the and Estate, a country house boutique outdoor adventures, ormassage just borrow a pair of wellies Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic fishing, take in a movie at our private cinema, ahotel complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the treatment rooms, exhilarate in a abundance that and brings locals and guests together in from our boot room and go for a stroll on ourof1,000 original interiors and old-style hospitality and is luxuriate in a relaxing massage in the Victorian social hub of theofEstate, a country boutique adventures, or choices just borrow pair you of wellies an atmosphere conviviality and house comfort. The Old outdoor acres – just some of the that aawait a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the treatment rooms, exhilarate in a abundance of hotel that and brings locals and guests together in from our boot room and go for a stroll on our 1,000 Stable Mews and Village Cottages are the perfect in this hidden corner of Ireland. social hub of the Estate, a country house boutique outdoor adventures, or just borrow a pair of wellies an atmosphere conviviality comfort.of The Old acres – just some of the choices that await you spot for groupsofthat want the and convenience hotel hotel that and brings locals and guests together in from our boot room and go for a stroll on our 1,000 Stable Mews and Village Cottages are the perfect in this hidden corner of Ireland. living combined with private self catering. an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old acres – just some of the choices that await you spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel Stable Mews and Village Cottages are the perfect in this hidden corner of Ireland. living combined with private self catering. spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private self catering. Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan t: + 353 47 88 100 www.castleleslie.com 20
Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan t: + 353 47 88 100 www.castleleslie.com
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northerly route of the Wild Atlantic Way. Boasting a bi-lingual programme the Earagail Arts Festival celebrates its unique rural culture around the unexplored landscapes along the North West Coast of Ireland. For two weeks in July you can immerse yourselves in fun family activities around the buzzing towns of Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy and Culdaff or take a trip off the beaten track and explore the hidden gems of Donegal sampling excellent locally sourced foods and craft beers. Folk and Roots will be the highlight of the Earagail Arts Festival for 2015, with world class acts and original collaborations with local and international musicians. The line-up includes Moya Brennan from the legendary Donegal band Clannad along with a unique collaboration between Donegal’s Altan and American born Mary Chapin Carpenter. The entire festival is a great musical melting pot rooted in tradition. Donegal can be accessed via Donegal, Derry/Londonderry and Belfast airports and is only 3 ½ hrs from Dublin by car. Visit www.eaf.ie to book early bird tickets for the two mini music festival, the Donegal Folk and Roots Festival 10th – 13th July and Wild Atlantic World 23rd – 26th July 2015. With interactive workshops, spectacular concerts, music trails and cultural guided hikes and cycling tours you’ll never be far from a true Donegal experience.
Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
www.slieveleaguecliffs.ie
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Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY
Mortimer’s
Kingdom Falconry offers you the unique
www.campinginkerry.com Email: mortimer@campinginkerry.com Phone: +353 (0)66 - 9472806
Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls.
MANNIX POINT
opportunity to get up close and personal with our majestic birds of prey –
Enjoy a hawk walk in the open countryside where our birds will freely follow you & and gently land on your fist.
2014 TripAdvisor Winner - Certificate of Excellence 2013 TripAdvisor Winner - Certificate of Excellence 17 National and International Awards
See our new Female Golden Eagle flying free. This amazing bird has near 8ft wingspan
On the Wild Atlantic Way and The Ring of Kerry
www.kingdomfalconry.com info@kingdomfalconry.com 087 0552313 Castleisland Co Kerry
Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre Where Activity and Nature Combine
Viewing & Observation tower • Guided Nature Boat Tours Nature and Wildlife Exhibition • Bird hides and Nature Boardwalk Visitor Centre and Lakeside Café Open Daily: 10am – 5pm (extended hours 10am – 7pm July and August) 066 7126700 or email info@traleebaywetlands.org 22
www.traleebaywetlands.org
Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY
A World Class
DESTINATION COUNTY KERRY CONTAINS SOME OF IRELAND’S MOST STUNNING SCENERY AND IS HOME TO SOME OF IRELAND’S MOST ICONIC ATTRACTIONS
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Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY
Kerry is special. It’s no wonder that people are drawn here from all corners of the globe to find the real Ireland in this ancient and beautiful Kingdom. 24
I
Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY mpossibly crenulated coastlines, endless green fields criss-crossed by tumbledown stone walls and mist-shrouded mountain peaks and bogs.
Kerry is home to some of Ireland’s most iconic attractions; the Lakes of Killarney, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael, the Great Blasket Islands – the inspiration for generations of Irish writers - and Ballybunion Championship Golf Course, to name but a few. While it has been welcoming overseas visitors for over 250 years, Kerry’s exquisite beauty makes it the premier destination for Irish holidaymakers. It has the longest stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route with many hidden gems along its picturesque coastline.
Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Kerry has something to offer everyone: miles of sandy beaches, superb accommodation, a range of water and land-based adventure pursuits, indoor visitor attractions and traditional Irish pubs in every town and village. This is great walking country, with glacial lakes, crags and cliffs together with the greenest of fields, old stone walls and historic sites. The soon to be re-opened Killarney House adds another dimension to a fascinating town which is already home to Ireland’s first National Park, where the Kerry cow and Irish red deer can be spotted roaming freely. The huge mountainous peninsulas of Dingle, Iveragh and Beara are home to tourist routes, walking trails and are ideal for exploring the great outdoors. In October 2014 Killarney and Kerry hosted the Adventure Travel World Summit and in February 2015 featured on the cover of the National Geographic Traveler magazine - such is its appeal to international visitors. In Kerry there are local and national festivals every week of the year including Listowel Writers Week, Puck Fair in Killorglin and the International Rose of Tralee
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Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY
Festival in mid August. If you are a stargazer come and marvel at the heavens each evening in the Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve in South West Kerry. Nearby the Skellig Michael World Heritage site features in the new Star Wars Episode 7 movie. Kerry is special. It’s no wonder that people are drawn here from all corners of the globe to find the real
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Ireland in this ancient and beautiful Kingdom. Daily direct flights from US cities to Shannon (1.5 hour drive) and Dublin (3 hour drive) and onward connections from Dublin to Kerry Airport (KIR). Supported by the Tourism & Infrastructure Unit, Kerry County Council www.gokerry.com
Wild Atlantic Way | KERRY
Luxury Castle Escape A great opportunity for you to explore Donegal, play a round of golf, enjoy the great outdoors, attend a local festival or simply relax and unwind in beautiful and tranquil surroundings.
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BANSHEES
W
andering a bog road late at night, an unwary traveler in Ireland might glimpse a flickering light off in the distance and being tempted to follow in the hope of rest or guidance, be led a merry dance across marsh and field before being left utterly lost and alone in the middle of the bog, their only hope to hunker down in the muck and wait until daybreak. This is the legend of Seán na Gealaí, or John of the Moon, the light of a lantern carried by a dead gambler doomed to wander the world forever because, although his soul was too stained to enter heaven, he had won his freedom from hell by beating the devil at cards. His name was subsequently given to the hollowed out turnips and later, pumpkins used at Samhain (Halloween) when the veil between our world and the next was at its thinnest – Jack o’ Lantern. Although they lack the glamour of Kerry’s better known sights – the storm-tossed Atlantic coastline of Wild Atlantic Way, the colour and bustle of Dingle town or the majestic oak woodlands of Killarney, the wetlands and bogs of north Kerry are an equally integral part of the regions culture and heritage and a visit to them will provide a unique
insight into the people who live here. The word “bog” comes from the Irish bog, meaning soft, and you’ll often hear the phrase “Tóg go bog é”, meaning “take it easy” from the locals. Much like the landscape, the people of north Kerry are softly spoken with a fabulously lyrical and roundabout way of saying things, as any tourist looking for directions will tell you! In addition to their contribution to Ireland’s folklore and history, where Kerry’s wetlands really shine is in the wealth of biodiversity they contain. Ireland has most of the last remaining intact blanket bogs in Europe and there are many plants and animals to be seen here that can be found in no other landscape in the world. Over half of Kerry’s countryside is in designated protected areas in order to safeguard this precious natural heritage. From a tourist’s perspective, however, a visit to a blanket bog is a difficult proposition – often involving a hard slog through impassable terrain across what is moreover an often fragile and easily damaged habitat; certainly much less accessible than a quiet stroll through the woodlands of Killarney National Park. Happily, there are places in Kerry you can visit where you can experience this most Irish of landscapes without straying too far from civilisation. Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre is unique
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Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | TRALEE WETLANDS
The word bog comes from the Irish bog, meaning soft and you’ll often hear the phrase “Tóg go bog é”, meaning take it easy
in Ireland; a twenty-two acre site of reclaimed wetland, which has been carefully landscaped into a maze of river channels, reedbeds, swamp and saltmarsh – all situated within an arm’s length of a beautifully modern (and sustainably built) visitor and interpretive centre just ten minutes stroll from Tralee town’s main street, complete with restaurant. Knowledgeable and passionate guides will take you through the wetland on a boat, within touching distance of the reed-beds and their inhabitants, sharing with you a wealth of information about the plant and animal life around you, along with stories and history of the surrounding area. All the while there is hardly a hint that civilisation is a stone’s throw away across the gently winding River Lee, apart from the occasional sight of a church steeple over the tops of the reeds or the distant honk of a truck’s horn. A twenty-metre tall viewing tower sits at the heart of the wetland and offers not only a
bird’s eye of the centre and town, but also an unparalleled sight down the whole length of Tralee Bay, past Fenit Harbour and the Maharees to distant Mount Brandon, one of the highest mountains in Ireland. Also at the centre is a large shallow lake where pedal boats and rowboats can be taken, and a state-of-the-art outdoor climbing wall should you be of a more adventurous bent, but where the facility really shines is that the entire visitor experience places you in the context of the greater environment of north Kerry. Should you be a first-time traveler to the area or a return visitor, you will leave armed with a huge list of places to go and sights to watch out for, giving you a fantastic avenue into Kerry’s wonderful heritage, both natural and cultural. Who knows, you might find yourself wandering a bog road through the mountains for a closer look – just watch out for Seán na Gealaí! 31
Irish Day Tours
explore Ireland’s Wonders Giant’s Causeway - Cliffs of Moher - Belfast Whiskey & Castle’s - Connemara - Celtic Boyne Valley Blarney Castle & Cork City
+353 86 316 9788
www.irishdaytours.ie
WALKING & HIKING TOURS
WALKING & HIKING TOURS Emerald Tour - Northern Gem - Southern Gem Western Wonders
SELF GUIDED TOURS Wicklow - Connemara - Dingle - Kerry
SOFT ADVENTURE TOURS
The Wild Atlantic Way - The Connemara Experience
+353 1 4100700 32
www.extremeireland.ie
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No
Ordinary ROAD
STEPHEN POWER OF EXTREME ADVENTURES IRELAND TOOK TO THE ROADS OF KERRY ON TWO WHEELS. HIS JOURNEY WAS UNFORGETTABLE.
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e started out from the world famous town of Killarney in Kerry on our quest to really experience the south west coast of Ireland on two wheels. It’s a funny place Killarney, small in size but it packs a heavy punch with its vast selection of shops, heritage, restaurants and of course brilliant music in brilliant pubs! Our route hugged the south coast of the Ring of Kerry peninsula and then we moved inland with the mighty MacGillycuddy Reeks in sight, Ireland’s highest mountain range. It’s a road that takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history from deep forest to the crashing waters of the Atlantic. There are more mega and Neolithic sites packed into this part of Ireland than in the entire country combined. We cycled through rugged, majestic landscapes where wild stag roam and tumbling waterfalls crash into crystal streams. This is certainly no ordinary road traveled. We start on an emotional high through Killarney National Park and then headed for the coast. The spectacular coastal road gives unforgettable vistas of the ring of Kerry’s neighbor, the Beara Peninsula - home of the last great Irish Chieftain, O’Sullivan Beara. We passed through the village of Sneem and on to Caherdaniel for the night. I’ve been to many hidden corners of Ireland, but this place is jaw-dropping! Then it was on to Waterville, a favourite holiday spot of Charlie Chaplin. Here we turned inland to the foot of Carauntoohill, Ireland’s highest point.
We traveled along a wonderful road that took us through forests and streams ending in the town of Glenbeigh. The quaint little town of Annascaul is a quiet place that gave us a giant character, Arctic explorer and pioneer, Tom Crean. He traveled with both Shackelton and Scott to discover the South Pole yet for all its wonder he returned home and with his wife Ellen they opened the South Pole Inn at Annascaul. We spent the night in Dingle, a place that is pound for pound one of the most magical places on earth. I’m not quite sure what exactly it is about this village but I am sure you’ll feel the same once you get there. Next day we headed for Slea Head - in National Geographic’s opinion, it is one of the world’s top five coastal roads but this is absolute nonsense, it is clearly number one! We returned again to Dingle for another magical mystery tour around the village pubs before the journey home but not without one last spectacular, ‘The Conor Pass’! A steady climb to the top of the road finishes our two wheel adventure on a high as we freewheeled practically the entire road to Tralee where it all came to an end. This part of Ireland is graced with more than its fair share of natural beauty. Kerry is a truly spectacular destination. Its culture is lively and infectious, its inhabitants are charming and its fascinating history presents itself at every turn. Where else can you find such spectacular scenery, intriguing traditions and the wild Atlantic collide!!! Extreme Ireland Adventures operate walking and adventure tours of Ireland www.extremeireland.ie 33
SISTER CITIES THERE ARE FEW RELATIONSHIPS MORE ENDURING THAN SISTERS – THOSE WE ARE BORN WITH AND THOSE WE ARE BLESSED WITH THROUGH STRONG PERSONAL BONDS.
I
n 2009 Individuals representing the city of Westlake Ohio set out to the town of Tralee in county Kerry with a very specific purpose: to meet their counterparts and to cement an alliance with their very first twin town, or sister city as it is known stateside.
A community member had expressed an interest in cultural and educational exchange beyond Westlake’s borders and the city’s administration embraced the idea. Westlake has a significant demographic of residents boasting Irish ancestry including the mayor and the majority of its council, so officials determined that they wanted to twin with a city in Ireland. While seeking towns of similar size they found a willing partner in Tralee. A delegation from Westlake was invited to Tralee in mid-August 2009 presenting them with the opportunity to be special guests at the 50th anniversary of The Rose of Tralee International Festival and the Rose Ball. It was an exhilarating and enchanting experience and it sparked the idea of hosting a Rose selection in Westlake. The committee discovered that there would be no Ohio Rose selection in 2010 so eager to follow through on a great experience and opportunity, they returned to Ireland and acquired the Ohio Rose franchise.
Final details were established in early 2011. The committee wasn’t sure if they could arrange a Rose selection in time to send an entrant to the regional finals that year but they were bolstered by a large enthusiastic body of volunteers and broad support from the local Irish community. Somehow it all came together. Four years on and on Valentine’s Day 2015, Westlake World Partners hosted its fifth Rose selection before a capacity crowd. This year the Ohio Rose Centre hosted a special guest of honor: 2014 Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh, who entered and won as the Philadelphia Rose. Maria was a source of inspiration for many Rose hopefuls as well as exhibiting special qualities befitting the ambassador of The Rose of Tralee International Festival. Roses tend to form a special bond and support each other. The special camaraderie between young women of Irish heritage that the Rose experience promotes is a great tribute to the vision of the Festival’s original creators and today’s management and staff. In the spirit of the Festival, Roses will find themselves reaching out to new people and new experiences, making the best of every moment, having fun and establishing lasting friendships. In that same spirit Tralee and Westlake have established a lasting bond and have become true Sister Cities.
Images by STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Tralee & Westlake
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Peoria & Clonmel
B
etty Flanagan Rohman is the Owner of Harp & Thistle Imports in Peoria Heights Illinois. A member of the North American Celtic Trade Association, Betty is currently the President of the Friends of Clonmel, an Irish Sister City organization celebrating the city’s twining with Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. In 1997 Betty Rohman and her family including her husband Larry, daughters Caytie and Molly and mother Marion Flanagan, along with two sisters and a nephew traveled to Ireland. Toward the end of their trip Marion (then 84) complained of the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Larry asked in a shop where they could find a hospital and set off to find it but Betty soon realized they were headed to the town of Hospital, not toward medical assistance! They made a quick return to Cashel and were directed to a clinic where it was confirmed that Marion had indeed experienced a heart attack. She was transferred to St. Joseph Medical Center in Clonmel. Betty and her sister Peggy remained in Clonmel while their mother recuperated. The concern and support from the nurses, doctors and the citizens of Clonmel really touched their hearts so several months later when Betty was attending a board meeting for The St. Patrick Society of Peoria she remembered Clonmel fondly when fellow board members were
seeking recommendations for cities in Ireland that Peoria might twin with. A visit was arranged to Ireland to investigate possibilities and board members Leo and Jo Jordan met with Maureen McNamara, head of the Clonmel Chamber of Commerce and with Mayor Vera Hewitt. The result was a sister city agreement between the two cities, signed in August 1998. The Friends of Clonmel was established in 1999. Over the past 17 years rewarding exchanges in the arts, business and education have occurred. In July of 2015 Peoria will welcome for the second time, Banna Chluain Meala, the 150 member renowned marching Youth Band from Clonmel. The relationship between these two cities was born out of a personal and humanitarian appreciation of how a community responds to the needs of others. Throughout the years the connection has continued to flourish with many visitors traveling back and forth between the two countries and many lifelong friendships have been forged. Marion Flanagan lived a happy life for another ten years, passing away at the ripe old age of 94. There is a tree planted in Clonmel in her memory. The tree continues to flourish and grow strong, as does the relationship between the citizens of Clonmel and Peoria.
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The
BURREN
THE BURREN (IRISH: BOIREANN, MEANING “GREAT ROCK”) IS A KARST LANDSCAPE WITH ITS COASTLINE ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY, IN COUNTY CLARE. IT MEASURES APPROXIMATELY 250 SQUARE KILOMETRES AND IS ENCLOSED ROUGHLY WITHIN THE CIRCLE MADE BY THE VILLAGES OF BALLYVAUGHAN, KINVARA, TUBBER, COROFIN, KILFENORA AND LISDOONVARNA.
Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Rocks
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Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN
The Burren Slow Food Festival 23rd - 24th May 2015 The Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Monks Bar is a destination stop for anyone touring the Burren. Situated on the coast road by the old pier in Ballyvaughan, with views of Galway Bay Monks links with the sea are decades old. Renowned for our Seafood Chowder, we also serve a wide selection of dishes to cater for everyones tastes. We are proud to serve only the finest freshest food from local sources
• Sally and John McKenna, McKenna’s Guides • Derry Clarke, L’Ecrivain Restaurant • JP McMahon, Anair • Cookery Demos • Claire Farmers Market • Burren Adventure Activities • Burren Food Trail • BBQ Burren Lamb on the spit evening • Burren & Cliffs Of Moher Geopark For information Tel: 065-7074432 • Email: slowfoodclare@gmail.com
www.slowfoodclare.com Escape the Burren Escape to the to Burren www.burrenescape.com www.burrenescape.com
Martin and Natasha Martin and Natasha WaldronWaldron Cragmoher House & Courtyard Cragmoher House & Courtyard Corofin, Co. Clare, Ireland
Corofin, Co. Clare, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)65 682 7734 Email: info@burrenescape.com burrenescape (0)87682 283 6296# Tel: or +353(0)65 7734 Email: info@burrenescape.com
or (0)87 283 6296#
@burrenescape
Self-Catering Apartments Self-Catering Apartments & Holiday-Home Rentals &
Holiday-Home Rentals Historic House Location Event House Location Historic Location Family Occasions
Event Location
Corporate Event
Visit the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.
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www.burrensmokehouse.ie
Family Occasions
Vintage & Themed Events
Corporate Event
Pre-Wedding Parties
Vintage &Wedding Themed Events Small Celebrations Pre-Wedding Parties Escape to the Burren Escape to the Burren Small Wedding Celebrations www.burrenescape.com www.burrenescape.com
Escape to the Burren Martin and Natasha Waldron
t. 065 6868108 www.d2print.ie
Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN
T
he Burren in County Clare is one of the largest and most accessible Karst regions in the world. it is the only place on the planet where Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants grow side-by-side in what appears to be a barren landscape. The entire area has geological and historical wonders with a rich community of people passionate about this spectacular place. Most visitors to these parts head straight for the Cliffs of Moher – an awe-inspiring sight - yet just 30 klms away is a subterranean world worthy of discovery. At Ballyvaughan in county
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Pic: STEFAN SCHNEBELT
Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN
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Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN Clare the Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre is a ‘must do’. Here you can take a dramatic underworld tour in a guided walk through caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird rock formations and alongside a thunderous waterfall that sometimes sprays the unsuspecting tourist! See also the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of long extinct brown bears. Back at ground level you can visit the Birds of Prey Centre, home to one of the largest and most varied collection of birds of prey in Ireland – eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Daily flying displays provide a rare opportunity to see these wonderful creatures in dramatic free flight. Alternatively you can get even closer if you book a hawk walk. Guided and instructed by an experienced falconer, an hour long “Walk with a Hawk” through woodland and across Burren Limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience. The Burren in is the birthplace of award winning farmhouse cheese ‘Burren Gold’, a firm textured Gouda style cheese with a rich creamy taste. It comes in a variety of flavours: plain, smoked, cumin, garlic & nettle and black pepper. At the farm shop you can buy some cheese and maybe even see the cheese makers at work. Entering through the natural arches of picturesque woodland through native trees of Hazel, Ash and Holly there is a Woodland Craft Village. This is a hive of activity as villagers educate visitors in the skills of wilderness survival and techniques in the art of woodland crafts. Wood carving, bow making, fire lighting techniques and willow craft are all skills that are in danger of becoming extinct yet all can be experienced here. Sticking with traditional skills, 3D archery is well worth a shot and no experience is needed - equipment and training are provided then it’s off through beautiful woodland to shoot at a variety of targets, both static and 3D along the way. After all that activity you can chill out in the pretty tearooms of Aillwee Caves with fresh baked scones and a hot cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine overlooking Galway Bay.
Try the Catch, Make a Match Lisdoonvarna is a quaint little town on the Burren route and the matchmaking capital of Ireland. The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest traditional festivals taking place every September. The festival is over 150 years old and attracts up to 60000 people from all over the world who come for the music, the craic and to make a ‘catch’ with third generation matchmaker Willie Daly on hand to bring single hopefuls together. You might not be in the market for a match but you should certainly try the catch at the Burren Smokehouse. Birgitta & Peter Curtin run this family business and they believe in sourcing the finest local raw materials for their great product. There is no finer place to sample delicious smoked fish: salmon, trout and mackerel or to taste Burren cheese. You can take some back with you or send a sample home with a sales service that includes shipping to the USA and beyond. A Visitors Centre is on site which is a popular tourist attraction welcoming over 30,000 people annually. In the shop local and Irish foods are available to buy as well as Irish crafts, gifts, beauty products and clothes. Delicious home-made delicacies like jams, chocolates, biscuits, fruit wine, mead, seaweed products, seasonings, honeys and locally produced dairy are all available.
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Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN
Visit the Monks If you fancy a pint and something more substantial then Monks Bar is the place to go. It is run by the Gill family and this lovely bar overlooks Galway Bay. Situated on the coast road by the old pier in Ballyvaughan, Monks is renowned for its seafood chowder and a fine selection of dishes using only the freshest ingredients from local sources. This is also a great spot for a bit of traditional music with sessions held all year round.
Head for the Islands The pretty seaside town of Doolin is a colorful place and the gateway to the Aran Islands. Doolin Ferries operate sailings to Aran or around the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren for a sea side view of the towering cliffs and rugged landscape. This family-owned business is part of the largest ferry company operating between Doolin and the Aran Islands and they pioneered the spectacular Cliffs of Moher cruise, recently named a ‘Top Ireland Experience’ by Independent Traveler. Cruises leave daily at midday, 3pm and 5pm and sail close to the Great Sea Stack (Branaunmore) where the boat gets up close to Puffins, Razorbills and many more. Operating a fleet of four ships with a capacity for 332 passengers, ferries sail from March to October. www.aillweecave.ie www.burrensmokehouse.ie www.monks.ie www.doolinferries.com
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Wild Atlantic Way | THE BURREN
IRISH LANDMARK TRUST
“Our Primary aim is to conserve and sustain iconic buildings” Since 1992, we’ve been saving some of Ireland’s most iconic buildings, and making them accessible to the wider community. We always restore properties sensitively, with a focus on best practices in conservation, as well as comfort for our guests. An Irish Landmark stay means you get all the character and historic elegance without sacrifice and modern convenience. Tell us what you’re looking for in holiday accommodation, and we’ll show you which of our 25 properties might suit your needs.
Tel: +353 1 670 4733 | Fax: +353 1 670 4887 Email: bookings@irishlandmark.com 43
A
Dream
VACATION “If you have a dream, give it a chance to happen”. Richard M. DeVos
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Wild Atlantic Way | CIE
FOR MANY PEOPLE A TRIP TO IRELAND WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE. IF IT IS YOUR DREAM, THEN LET CIE TOURS MAKE IT HAPPEN AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT MAKES IRELAND A DREAM DESTINATION.
V
isit Ireland and you’ll discover why the Emerald Isle is a perfect combination of stunning landscapes, charming landmarks and friendly locals. CIE Tours captures Irish culture on each of its itineraries— allowing travelers to truly experience the best this country has to offer. Choose from a selection of over 50 unique tours, all fully inclusive! Whether you are looking for a 5 day getaway or a 24 day in-depth vacation CIE Tours will make your trip unforgettable. Each tour presents an irreplaceable experience, with itineraries integrating daily sightseeing, walking tours, deluxe castle visits and grand hotel stays. Fully inclusive tours are ensured with the $550+ Advantage, a no-fee benefit guaranteeing that travelers are never charged for special features considered optional extras with other tour companies. With expert tour directors and local guides, each destination comes to life. Choose from the new 2015 itineraries or discover classic favorites—offering unique vacation packages for all. Enjoy a wide range of featured vacations in 2015 including the new Best of Ireland South and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visit authentic restaurants and pubs for traditional Irish dining and entertainment. Explore the lush green landscapes of Ireland, from the tranquil, rolling hills to the dramatic coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean. For those looking to discover legendary treasures, book the Emerald Supreme from the luxury collection of tours. Visit boundless castles, many restored and developed into remarkable hotels, each influenced with the essence of their respected time period and culture of those who once resided in each estate.
Explore the southern region of Ireland on the new Best of Ireland 6, 7 or 8 day tour. Enjoy Taylor’s Three Rock Irish Night for a four-course dinner which includes an Irish coffee and entertainment. For an enchanting medieval banquet, guests will travel to Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s most authentic fortresses. End your journey in Shannon or extend your stay in Dublin for individual pursuits. On the 13 day Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way tour, explore the beautiful west coast. Travel along Ireland’s coastline, which includes everything from rocky shorelines to the untamed waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit Dublin’s famous Abbey Tavern in the evening for traditional Irish fun, authentic dinner, music and dancing. No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Uncover the history of some of Ireland’s most iconic castles on the 12 or 13 day Emerald Supreme tour. Start your journey in the capital city of Dublin, regarded for its vibrant attractions and friendly locals. This tour offers stays at Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle, both restored into luxurious five-star hotels, joining traditional elegance with modern day comfort. Stroll through Derry before visiting the mysterious Giant’s Causeway which plays a major part in Ireland’s heritage. From exquisite sights to local traditions, indulge in CIE Tours for memories that will last a lifetime. CIE is always updating their website with last minute deals and savings—there is no excuse to prolong planning your Irish adventure. For more information and to start booking a CIE Tours vacation call 1-800-2438687 or visit www.cietours.com.
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Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruises
EXCITING 1914-17... Antarctica... the greatest rescue and survival story...
Fáilte ar Bord
The Burren Slow Food Festival The Original Ferry Est.1970 23rd -Doolin 24th May 2015
The Pavilion,The Lisdoonvarna, LARGEST Co. Clare MOST COMFORTABLE ferries •& Sally and John McKenna, McKenna’s Guides • Derry Clarke, L’Ecrivain Restaurant O'Brien Line Doolin Ferry Est.1970 • JP McMahon, Anair • Cookery Demos • Claire Farmers Market Doolin Doolin, Co.• Burren Clare,Food Ireland • BurrenPier, Adventure Activities Trail • BBQ Burren Lamb on the spit evening www.obrienline.com • Burren Cliffs 707 Of Moher Geopark Tel:&065 5555 For information Tel: 065-7074432 • Email: slowfoodclare@gmail.com
www.slowfoodclare.com
with Irishmen at the heart of it. Visit the Shackleton Endurance Exhibition in Dún Laoghaire or contact us for the NEW VIRTUAL TOUR delivered via Skype direct to your classroom!
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sun: 11am-5pm Located beside Bus & DART. Group discounts available. +353 1 236 0544 | suitable for all ages www.shackletonexhibition.com
IRISH COUNTRY COTTAGES & FISHING on the Beautiful Blackwater River, Co Waterford
Comfortable newly refurbished Self Catering Cottages with Free Wifi, in Beautiful surroundings. Salmon and Trout fishing on 3.5 miles double bank in season. Rod and Wader Hire, Ghillies and Instructors available Stabling and hire of Horses available. Private and peaceful Farm and Parkland surroundings on 400 acre Irish Estate
Visit the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.
Fortwilliam Rose Collection & Gardens. Convenient for mountains, coast and heritage town of Lismore. Character Pubs and Restaurants Historic Houses and Gardens Racing, Golf courses, Music & Theatre nearby. Dogs welcome.
www.burrensmokehouse.ie 46
Contact Philippa (00 353) 86 467 0857 info@fortwilliamfishing.ie
www.fortwilliamfishing.ie
Cork Airport 1 hrs drive • Rosslare 2 hrs drive • Dublin 2.5 hrs drive
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Cliffs of
MOHER
LOOMING OVER COUNTY CLARE’S WEST COAST THE MAJESTIC AWE INSPIRING CLIFFS OF MOHER STRETCH FOR OVER 8 KMS AND STAND 214 METERS OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
U
known to many, the Cliffs are home to over 60,000 seabirds who may be seen nesting here from April - July with the Puffin bird causing a lot of excitement for visitors. In fact, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience will host a seabird festival for the first time this May in conjunction with Bird Watch Ireland. The award winning ‘Atlantic Edge’ exhibition was recently enhanced with some family friendly installations including a Green Screen of the Cliffs of Moher which allows you to take a short clip in front of a chosen image of the Cliffs which you can email to yourself and share with friends and family. A virtual reality cliff face video adventure,
‘The Ledge’, allows you to encounter a variety of wildlife that make the Cliffs their home. The exhibition is a self- guided experience but you may also book guided tours from the Cliffs of Moher Rangers subject to availability at the time of booking. Visit between 4pm and sunset for a more serene experience; less crowds, great photo opportunities, magical sunsets and romantic picnics. You may even witness a couple proposing, in fact, the beauty of the Cliffs have a track record of compelling many to perform such acts of love. If ‘I do’ is the result, the happy couple receive a special commemorative certificate of their engagement at the Cliffs. For more information on events see www.cliffsofmoher.ie
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Irish Thatching With A TITANIC
TWIST
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Wild Atlantic Way | THATCHING
I RECEIVED MY IRISH PASSPORT WHEN I WAS 26 YEARS OLD. I WAS BORN IN NEW ZEALAND. THATCHING WASN’T EVEN SOMETHING I HAD THOUGHT ABOUT. I had family connections with Ireland so I was fortu nate to be eligible for an Irish Passport through my grandfather. My maternal grandfather was born in 59 Ship Street, Belfast. At some point he’d joined the merchant navy and ended up jumping ship in New Zealand during World War 2. His father was a riveter at Harland and Wolf shipping company. He helped build the Titanic. A century later I’m a self employed roof thatcher in Ireland. My journey to becoming a thatcher was a long one. I was 31 years old when I first climbed the ladder onto a thatched roof. I’d been many things prior to that moment, from a soldier to a forester to a fisherman and much more in between. It was by chance that I got a start in the ancient craft. We had just purchased a cottage in County Offaly. It was formerly a thatched cottage. With it’s lime washed mudwalls it looked wrong with the corrugat ed iron hat it was wearing. We needed to thatch the roof. The thatcher we contacted paid us a visit and gave us an estimate. After the great shock of that estimate I jokingly asked if he had any jobs. A week later he phoned and asked if I was serious about becoming a thatcher. Without hesitation I jumped at the chance. The first roof I worked on was in Stradbally, County Waterford. Then another and another. I worked in a team of five. We traveled all over repairing or renewing thatch. Every roof was different. Each has its own shape and character. Different methods, techniques and materials are needed. As a thatcher you never stop learning. There is always something new to discover on the next roof. It is an interesting job to have.
Many people are attracted to a thatched roof and to the thatchers at work. There are always questions like, ‘How does it keep the water out?’ or ‘How long will it last?’ and especially, ‘How much does it cost?’ Then there are the photos. I have had more photos taken of my backside than many a catwalk model! And I’ve got to put my arm around many a lovely lady with the roof as a backdrop. At times it is difficult to get a days work done with all the interruptions. Ah well. The owners of thatched cottages are a breed apart. Usually very patient, for sometimes the waiting list of a thatcher is long. Some owners are very passionate about thatch. Others not. It is always nice to meet the former. While some people spend their money on a flash car or holidays, these people spend it on their thatched roof. They love it and want to preserve it. There are so many thatched houses that have not been maintained and have become ruins. It is a terrible shame. Water, reed and straw, wheaten and oaten are the main materials used to thatch with. Flax is also used but not so much. Willow and Hazel is used to make scallops to fix the thatch to the roof. On an old roof you could have 6 or more layers of thatch. I have seen roofs that are 4 feet thick; some with trees growing out of them. Then others that looked like a pile of compost. They are all able to be fixed, restored to their former glory. It just takes the will to do it and time and plenty of money. Ireland would not be Ireland if it did not have the icon that is the traditional thatched cottage and it is my great joy and pleasure to preserve and protect these fine structures. Michael Davies, Thatcher www.sidsoncraftworks.com & / or www.Heritagethatching.ie
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St Kyrans Country House and Restaurant is located in Virginia, Co. Cavan, Ireland. Situated on Lough Ramor, at St Kyrans you can enjoy Luxury accommodation,Breakfast, Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Lunch or Dinner with panoramic lakeside views.
Ph: +353 498547087 info@stkyrans.com www.stkyrans.com 50
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Destination
WESTPORT
AWARD WINNING WESTPORT IS AN ARCHITECTURAL DELIGHT FULL OF CHARM AND CHARISMA.
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he town is located on the banks of Clew Bay and shadowed by the majestic Croagh Patrick pilgrimage mountain. Westport has it all, beautiful scenery, vibrant nightlife, gourmet dining, award winning accommodation, luxury spa’s, boutique shopping, tree lined malls, blue flag beaches and it is ideally located along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Westport is also home to one of Ireland’s top tourist and family friendly attractions, Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park, as well as establishing itself as an adventure hotspot with endless options of leisure and adventure activities including horse riding, cycling, water sports and adrenaline filled activities such as zorbing & zip-wiring. Drenched in history, Westport has a rich cultural heritage dating back to the mid 1700’s and the centre
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piece of that heritage can be seen at Westport House and Gardens, once home to the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. Today, the beautifully authentic ‘Big House’ offers a wonderful collection of spectacular artefacts, artworks and treasures. Plenty of Family Fun can also be found at their Pirate Adventure Park with log flume rides, pirate ship swings, swan pedal boats and tours of the real life dungeons.
Ireland’s most beautiful historic home
Take the time to explore the Great Western Greenway, the 42kms off-road walking and cycling trail which stretches from Westport to Achill Island along an old railway line. Bicycles and toddler trailers can be rented and pick-ups scheduled along the way or catch a boat back to town where dinner can be caught and cooked along the route. For the food lovers, there is a wonderful selection of restaurants, bistros and pubs offering the very best in local, seasonal produce from gastro pubs to fine dining restaurants. And when the sun sets you can be sure of some mighty craic in one of the many bustling bars and pubs throughout the town. Westport has a rich association with traditional music and many venues offer impromptu sessions at any time of day or night. Adventurous or not, there is something for everyone here. It’s no wonder this coastal town is one of Ireland’s most popular cosmopolitan holiday destinations and winner of the 2014 Best Tourism Towns in Ireland as well as winning several titles of Ireland’s Tidiest Town and being named in the Top Ten Food Destinations. Located just one hour from Ireland West International Airport and one hour from Galway and Connemara, Westport is a pretty base when visiting this beautiful part of Ireland. www.destinationwestport.com
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HERITAGE
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Best Halloween Event
Westport House, Co. Mayo | +353 (0)98 27766 info@westporthouse.ie | www.westporthouse.ie 53
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‘The ghastly smile which momentarily played on the countenances of these living skeletons’ James Hack Tuke
Lady Sligo & The
GREAT HUNGER 54
Wild Atlantic Way | WESTPORT HOUSE
THE GREAT HUNGER WAS A PERIOD OF MASS STARVATION IN IRELAND RESULTING IN THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE AND EMIGRATION OF 1.5 MILLION TO NORTH AMERICA AND OTHER COUNTRIES. The letters of Hester Catherine Browne second marchioness of Sligo, or Lady Sligo, tell the remarkable story of how her family responded to the catastrophe of the Great Hunger. Lady Sligo, who lived from 1800 to 1878, was the wife of Howe Peter Browne, the second Marquis of Sligo. The Brownes were members of the landed gentry, Ireland’s upper class. The family owned Westport House, a beautiful home in a poor area of County Mayo in the west of Ireland. They were the largest landowners in County Mayo with thousands of tenants living on their estates. The Browne family built Westport House in the early 18th century on the foundations of a former family castle of the O’Malleys Clan. The estate overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, Clew Bay and Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. The Brownes are direct descendants of Grace O’Malley, the famous 16th century, ‘Pirate Queen’ who was chieftain of the O’Malley clan. Originally Catholic, the family had little choice but to join the Anglican Church in the 18th century to keep their property. The title Marquis of Sligo was bestowed on John Browne in 1800. The reason the title is Sligo - even though the family home is in Mayo – is a simple matter of geography. In 1800 there was already an Earl of Mayo, a Viscount Galway to the south and a Lord Roscommon to the East. The Atlantic Ocean was to the West so the only title to be had was the north – the land of Yeats and black cattle – Sligo. John Browne’s only son Howe Peter succeeded him in 1809. Howe married Hester Catherine de Burgh in 1816. She was the daughter of the 13th Earl of Clanricarde and the couple were blessed with 14 children. In 1829 Howe Peter was one of the few Irish peers who supported catholic emancipation. He was appointed governor of Jamaica in January 1834, overseeing the freedom of the slaves there and the ‘free village’ of Sligoville was named in his honor. The second marquis died
at the beginning of 1845, the eve of the Great Hunger. As her husband’s health declined, Lady Sligo took over the day to day running of Westport House. She worked closely with George Hildebrand the steward of the estate. When her 25 year old son, George John Browne inherited the estate in 1845 Lady Sligo supported him through the difficult years of the Great Hunger. Unlike many landlords, the third marquis assisted his poor tenants and spoke out against the harsh policies of the British government. The family even borrowed money in order to help their tenants. County Mayo was one of the worst affected areas during the famine. Philanthropic Quakers who travelled to the west provided poignant eye-witness accounts of the suffering of the people especially in the remote Belmullet peninsula. They criticized the local landlords for their indifference and parsimony. There were exceptions, however. George, the third Marquess of Sligo, despite his relative youth worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of his tenants. Lady Sligo wrote a whole series of letters documenting the time and seeking to aid the plight of the starving tenants. An exhibition The Lady Sligo Letters: Westport House and the Famine Exhibition based on her letters tell the remarkable story of how one family, who were Protestants and members of the landed gentry, responded to the catastrophe of the famine years. The exhibition, written by Professor Christine Kinealy, Founding Director of the Irish Great Hunger Institute, is on show in Westport House in Co. Mayo and also in Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute in the University of Quinnipiac, Connecticut. To this day the Browne family continues to own and live in Westport House. Nowadays it is open as a visitor attraction welcoming 140,000 visitors each year. www.WestportHouse.ie www.quinnipiaqc.edu/great-hunger-institute
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Discover and experience for yourself, the fascinating life of a coal miner through our unique underground tour which takes place in Arigna Mines; Ireland’s last working coal mine. The mine, which closed in 1990, operated for 400 years and the work of a miner was both exhausting and hazardous, with working conditions that were extremely harsh and cramped.
Arigna Co Roscommon
The Arigna Mining Experience opened as a tourist attraction in 2003 and has proved extremely popular with visitors. We are proud of the fact our tour guides are all former miners who each deliver a unique, interesting and informative tour. You’ve read the stories, now come along and take this unique underground journey and experience an important part of our natural history for yourself. Following your tour, have a leisurely browse in our gift shop or just relax and enjoy the breath taking scenery that spans across the Arigna Valley and Lough Allen; sit back with a refreshing cup of coffee in our restaurant or savour it in our picnic area; either way, The Arigna Mining Experience has something for every member of the family.
The Arigna Mining experience is open all year, The Arigna Mining experience is open all y ear, seven days a week from 10am-6pm daily. seven days a week from 10am-6pm daily. For please contact contactus usat: at: Forfurther further information, information, please 071 964 6466 071 964 6466 Email: info@arignaminingexperience.ie Email: info@arignaminingexperience.ie www.arignaminingexperience.ie www.arignaminingexperience.ie Arigna Mines 1/2.indd 1
Edmund Rice Heritage Centres
✓✓ Room hire starting from €12 per hour ✓✓ Wi-Fi throughout the centre ✓✓ Larger rooms equipped with IT equipment (projectors/screens) ✓✓ Café onsite ✓✓ Multi-Denominational Chapel ✓✓ Museum – No entry charge
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Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre Ltd., Mount Sion, Barrack Street, Waterford. Phone: 051-874390 Email: admin@edmundrice.ie
11/09/2013 12:49
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The
MINER’S Way
“Come on then Jim, it’s time to go; time you was working down below; time to be handling a pick and shovel; you start at the pit today time you was learning the collier’s job and earnin’ a collier’s pay”
- School Days Over
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he Irish experience is captured so well in many an Irish ballad and in School Days Over, the innocence of youth and schooling was over all too quickly for many a child who worked the coal mines to help feed their families. It was a difficult life and often fraught with danger but it also encouraged comradery and a sense of purpose not to mention feeding hungry bellies. The Arigna Mining Experience brings the experience to life and it will appeal to those with an interest in history or anyone looking for a day out with a difference. The Arigna area was associated with coal mining for around 400 years and is located in a beautiful scenic area of north Roscommon overlooking Lough Allen. Now a popular tourist spot, the centre allows visitors an insight into coal mining life in the Arigna Valley from the 1700s until its closure in 1990. A typical
visit includes a 45-minute underground tour with an ex-miner as your tour guide. The tour brings visitors to the mine’s coalface where the methods used to extract coal are demonstrated. The authentic lighting and sound effects throughout the mine add to the reality of the experience. There is also a DVD presentation, an exhibition space where local geology and the formation of coal deposits are explained and an excellent photo archive on show. The underground tour is fully accessible and is an all weather facility which is open 7 days a week from 10.00-17.00hrs daily and there is a coffee shop for refreshment after your tour. The Arigna experience is a fascinating insight into the past - little wonder therefore that it is listed as the number1 experience in Roscommon by Tripadvisor. It is ideally located being just 19kms from Carrick-onShannon (R280) or 40 km from Sligo (R284). www.arignaminingexperience.ie 57
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CORK CITY GAOL IS FAMOUS FOR MANY THINGS.
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t is a prime example of Georgian/ Gothic architecture and an important part of Irish architectural heritage. It also offers a fascinating insight into the life of the common man in the last century – many of whom went to jail for the crime of being poor or as a way of getting fed in a starving nation. In 1804 an Act of Parliament was passed allowing the building of a new City Gaol in Cork at a cost of €1,000 per annum, levied locally for the building of same. In 1806 a site was chosen and starting in 18161818 red sandstone was quarried from the hills to construct the approach roads and the outside security walls for the new Gaol. In 1818-1824 – Mrs. Elizabeth Deane and her son Thomas won the building contract for the Gaol. John Hogan – later to become an internationally acclaimed neo-classical sculptor - developed the sketch drawings from the plans of architect, William Robertson of Kilkenny. 1819 saw work begin on the interior when Sir Nicholas Colthurst of Blarney (the Blarney Castle Estate) arranged for a Government Grant of £20,000. The Gaol was ready for its first inmates on 3rd June 1824. The main function of Cork City Gaol for more than 100 years was to house Corks criminals, many of whom had committed no crime greater than the crime of poverty. Reaction to the new building was hugely positive and the general public admired the magnificent edifice declaring it the “best in 3 kingdoms”! The entire Gaol complex of approximately 4.7 acres is contained within a very high outer wall with entry through a gatehouse door “of strong oak, studded with flat nails and situated under the Gallows.” There is then a dry moat area before the main buildings which are contained within high oval walls. It is a wonderful piece of architecture with a number of unusual features – in fact from the outside the gaol looks more like a castle than a purpose built prison.
The main building is designed like the capital letter H with the crossbeam of the letter H being the Governors House – the Governor being obliged to live on the premises. This house included a ground floor office, a Board of Governors meeting room and the first and second floor where he and his family would have lived. The corridors leading towards the cell wings would have housed the warders and their families. The legs of the letter H would have been the cell wings, males & females segregated. There were 174 Cells intended to house one prisoner per cell but like today, there was massive overcrowding. Cells measure 6 X 11 feet and would have had up to 5 people per cell. The rule was that you could have 1–3, 4 or 5 to a cell but never 2, as this would “encourage immoral practices.” During the Famine people deliberately committed crimes to be put in gaol where they would have some access to food. When they arrived at the gaol prisoners were de-loused and then brought to their cells. The daily routine was work, exercise, food and punishment. At one stage public hangings would have taken place though these were done away with in 1868. Behind the main building was the gaol hospital and there was also a Debtors Prison. The debtors were allowed have some of their own furniture, their own food brought into them by a servant of the same sex and visitors. There were many famous inmates and the Audio Visual tour tells tales of some ‘celebrity prisoners’ before turning to pictures of the ordinary inmates whose words reach out to visitors everyday: “Before you go off out into the sunshine with your minds full of famous prisoners, Countesses and the devil knows what, remember us… We were not famous; No one raised any statues in our names, but we are as much a part of Cork City Gaol as anyone and yet, no one remembers our names; No one will remember our names unless you do. For the love of God, remember us!”
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Lots to see by LAND & SEA LEITRIM HAS THE SHORTEST LENGTH OF COASTLINE OF ANY IRISH COUNTY THAT TOUCHES THE SEA BUT IT HAS NO SHORTAGE OF WATER.
Where the wandering water gushes From the hills above Glen-Car In pools among the rushes That scarce could bathe a star - WB Yeats ‘Stolen Child’ 1816. 60
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he coastline is as beautiful as anything along the Wild Atlantic Way but it is perhaps the inland waterways that set it apart. Leitrim is defined by water, which influences both the county’s character and the activities that take place here. The Shannon Erne Waterway, Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, stretches through the county.
The county town of Carrick-on-Shannon is a charming, prospering river port on the River Shannon and many tourists hire cruising boats here to explore the Shannon-Erne Waterway, a 63km canal linking the two river systems. This is a wonderful way to take a leisurely cruise along Ireland’s longest river, taking in towns, country pubs and Irish life at a relaxing, leisurely pace. The Shannon Blueway, Waterways Ireland new recreational and tourism experience, is an innovative, safe and easy to use series of on-water and
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land based trails. The first of its kind in Ireland, the Shannon Blueway allows guided and unguided paddling and walking along the Lough Allen Canal and Shannon River from Carrick–on-Shannon via Leitrim Village and Battlebridge to Drumshanbo.
Make a splash Canoe up to 16.5 kilometres of stunning Blueway routes along the idyllic Lough Allen Canal and River Shannon. This serene paddle allows visitors to experience the delights of the waterways, as well as the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the Shannon. Enjoy this paddle with two short half-day experiences or with one full-day experience. Or get walking and explore the picturesque Shannon Blueway on foot in lush county Leitrim. Part of a series of impressive national looped walks totalling 20km, walkers will be in their element. With exceptional scenery stretching from Battlebridge to Drumhauver Bridge, enjoy the area’s renowned landscape and wildlife on a choice of two or four-hour loops. Enjoy cycling on the existing pathways along the Blueway where facilities are being developed that will provide connections to Carrick on Shannon and to the ShannonErne Waterway. Leitrim is even famous for its waterfalls, immortalised in the works of one of Ireland’s great writers, WB Yeats. 2015 marks 150 years since the birth of William Butler Yeats and there are many events in Leitrim and his native Sligo celebrating this anniversary. Leitrim’s Glencar Waterfall will be one of the ‘must sees’ for the many visitors to the area as it is said to be the inspiration for one of the poet’s most famous works ‘The Stolen Child’. Where the wandering water gushes From the hills above Glen-Car In pools among the rushes That scarce could bathe a star - WB Yeats ‘Stolen Child’ 1816.
www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie
If you are touring this area, steal a little time away to discover the waterways of this lovely county. www.leitrimtourism.com
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Stay At An Irish
LANDMARK IRISH LANDMARK TRUST IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT FINDS INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL PROPERTIES IN NEED OF CONSERVATION AND GIVES THEM NEW LIFE AND PURPOSE.
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ince 1992 the Trust has been turning historic buildings into truly special self-catering holiday accommodation with properties ranging from lighthouses and schoolhouses to castles and gate lodges.
As an educational charity the primary aim is to conserve and sustain iconic buildings, so Irish Landmark properties are living buildings not museum settings. The Trust respects the history and architectural integrity of the structures they conserve while at the same time providing all of the modern comforts wanted in a holiday home.
To date the Trust has conserved 25 quirky, eccentric and distinctive buildings across Ireland using only the best artisans, builders and craftspeople. Each unique property is kept truly relevant offering the romance of a medieval spiral staircase alongside the comfort of a modern kitchen and a shower that works! Whether you want a quick weekend or to immerse yourself in history for a little longer, a stay at an Irish Landmark property is a truly memorable experience. www.irishlandmark.com 63
Hot Spots | WEXFORD
WEXFORD SO OLD, So New
THE BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC AND DIVERSE COUNTY OF WEXFORD IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTHEASTERN-MOST CORNER OF IRELAND. A FOUNDATION STONE IN IRELAND’S HERITAGE AND CULTURE.
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exford is a town with deep Viking roots. Vikings first landed here in 819AD, going on to establish a settlement that they named ‘Veisafioror,’ meaning ‘inlet of the mud flats’.
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ago, it has retained historic links with its Viking and Norman past. It was the Viking visitors who first laid out the narrow picturesque streets and lanes that form today’s vibrant town centre. The town is known as one of the most attractive towns in Ireland.
Boasting 221 kilometers of coastline, Wexford has golden sandy beaches, rocky headlands, cliffs and nature preserves, rolling countryside and historic towns. Featuring ancient heritage attractions and an unparalleled cultural life, Wexford is a county offering diverse beauty and cultural traditions.
Wexford celebrates its U.S. links as the ancestral home of President John F. Kennedy and of the ‘Father of the American Navy’ Commodore John Barry. Commodore Barry is honored each summer at the annual Wexford Maritime Festival when the town’s quayside comes alive with maritime celebrations.
The capital of the county is Wexford town and with Viking foundations laid down over 1,000 years
The ancestral home of President John F. Kennedy forms a key part of The Emigrant Trail - a unique
Hot Spots | WEXFORD journey telling the story of many Irish emigrants and the Kennedy story through heritage sites on a 15-mile trail in the vicinity of New Ross Town. Here you can visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, the Kennedy homestead, the JFK Memorial Park and the Emigrant Flame. A bustling arts and cultural scene is something that many towns and cities in Ireland pride themselves on but in Wexford the word “vibrant” only begins to describe the area’s cultural life and contribution to the world of arts. The multi-award-winning Wexford Festival Opera which attracts tens of thousands to the town takes place every autumn for many to enjoy musical treats in an awe-inspiring venue - recently named Ireland’s National Opera House. The physical beauty of the Wexford landscape is something not to be missed; the pretty coastal villages speckled with thatched cottages are a sight to behold. Visit the peaceful fishing village of Kilmore Quay and take a short trip to the Saltee Islands where you can enjoy the sea life whilst gaining an alternate view of the rugged coastline. If Curracloe
Beach looks familiar, it is; it served as the spectacular Omaha Beach in the film Saving Private Ryan. There is probably no better place to begin exploring in Wexford than with its rich and varied history. This is a county filled with castles and historic sites. Take a step back in time and experience a day in the life of ancient Ireland at Ireland’s National Heritage Park. Visit the world’s oldest working Lighthouse at the Hook Peninsula. Visit 12th 13th and 15th century abbeys, castles and forts. With an ancient ruin around every bend, Wexford is a historic gem. A thriving café culture abounds offering many ideal spots to take a street side chair and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the town’s friendly atmosphere. From a street side cuppa to Michelin dining, a wealth of quality restaurants offers fresh local, artisanal produce to cater for all tastes. The county of Wexford offers a wonderful selection of accommodation from pretty cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts to top class hotels and a five-star destination spa. For everything you need to know about holidaying in Wexford, see www.visitwexford.ie
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Hot Spots | ANNAPOLIS
Annapolis, Maryland and Wexford
SISTER CITIES HISTORY SHOWS A STRIKING SIMILARITY BETWEEN ANNAPOLIS AND WEXFORD, IRELAND.
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he city of Annapolis’ Irish roots go deep. family members of one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, were of Irish descent. Centuries later, the city’s Irish connections remain strong. Irish restaurants and shops are part of the fabric of Annapolis’ Historic District and the huge number of individuals who turn out for Irish festivals and events throughout the year is a testament to the flourishing Irish-American heritage. Recent history shows a striking similarity between Annapolis and Wexford, Ireland. To explore this further, an Annapolis delegation embarked on a tourism development mission to Wexford on the occasion of the 58th Annual John Barry Maritime
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Festival in 2013. The event celebrates the Wexfordborn naval hero with links to the U.S. Naval Academy. President George Washington personally commissioned Barry as the first commanding officer in the U.S. Navy. Following a fundraising campaign by the Irish Catholic Ancient Order of Hibernians, an eight-foot-tall granite and bronze John Barry Memorial was dedicated just inside the John Barry Gate at the U.S Naval Academy in May 2014. While both Wexford and Annapolis lay claim to Commodore Barry, the similarities between the two cities are more far reaching. It’s the strong cultural, arts, tourism and heritage connections that have prompted a Sister City relationship. Both Annapolis and Wexford have Plein Air arts, orchestral and operatic events. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, Youth Chorus and
??? | ??? Ballet Theatre of Maryland perform year-round at the newly-renovated Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Downtown Annapolis features professional and community theatre and nearly two-dozen art galleries – all within walking distance of one another. A variety of concerts and festivals keeps Annapolis’ arts community on display throughout the year. A First Sunday Arts Festival takes place from May through October on West Street in Annapolis. Maryland Avenue holds quarterly festivals – including an Irish Festival, complete with Irish bands, Irish drinks and Irish food. This past March marked the birth of an eleven-day Annapolis Irish Week celebration that included a Hooley (Irish party); a St. Patrick’s Parade complete with ten Irish Pipe Bands; Irish History Dinners; Irish coffee competitions; Guinness Glass Engravings; and more. As is the case with Wexford, Annapolis’ nautical heritage is alive and well today. A bustling port town in the 18th century, Annapolis is world-renowned as America’s Sailing Capital and the gateway to North America’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. There are countless ways for visitors to get out on the water, from forty-minute cruises around the Annapolis Harbor, to Day on the Bay outings, to two-hour cruises aboard a 74-foot wooden schooner. The City’s Wednesday Night Sailing Races are the envy of many a sailing community. Each Wednesday from mid-April through early September, more than 130 crews race their boats around the Annapolis harbor, their colorful spinnakers backlit against a setting sun. Visitors and locals alike scramble for seats at their favorite waterfront restaurants or line up along the Spa Creek Bridge to catch the weekly demonstration of skill and beauty. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently dubbed Annapolis a National Historic Treasure and the National Main Street Center just named Annapolis’ Main Street one of the most romantic in America. Called a Museum without Walls, Annapolis was founded as Anne Arundel Town in 1649. It became the capital of Maryland in 1695 and the nation’s first peacetime capital in 1783. Today Annapolis boasts more 18th-century brick buildings than anywhere else in the nation. The Maryland State House is the oldest in continuous legislative use in the country. It was here that General George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the Treaty of Paris was ratified, ending the Revolutionary War. The homes of all four of Maryland’s signers of the Declaration of Independence are located in Annapolis, and three of them are open to the public. Signer William Paca’s home features the only reconstructed two-acre 18th-century pleasure garden of its kind in Maryland. Just around the corner, on Maryland Avenue, is the HammondHarwood House. Designed by 18th-century architect William Buckland, it boasts the Most Beautiful Doorway in America. Its neighbor across the street is the Chase-Lloyd House, where National Anthem author Francis Scott Key was married. He went to school at St. John’s College in Annapolis, the third oldest college in the nation. Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay have their own unique beauty and Irish appeal any time of the year. For more information, visit www.VisitAnnapolis.org. 67
Irish Emigrant EXPERIENCE COME FOR THE HISTORY; LIVE THE EXPERIENCE. THE RESILIENCE OF THE IRISH EMIGRANT COMES TO LIFE EVERY DAY IN NEW ROSS, COUNTY WEXFORD.
The effect of the Famine on Irish emigration was savage and dramatic. Between 1845 and 1855 almost 1.5 million people embarked for the United States. 340,000 sailed for British North America, around 300,000 settled in the cities of Great Britain and about 70,000 went to Australia. In all more than 2.1 million people left Ireland over eleven years – more than a quarter of the pre-famine population. The result was the disappearance of almost an entire generation. A blight on the potatoes of Ireland forever changed the histories of Ireland, England and the United States of America.
A blight on the Irish potato crop forever changed the histories of Ireland, England and the USA
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It was history in the making and for one emigrant family in particular, history was about to be re-written. The Kennedy family are a beacon of light for those that find themselves in challenging circumstances. John F Kennedy changed the face of emigration in Ireland; He changed how Irish people perceived themselves and his homecoming to Ireland in 1963 as President of the United States of America gave every Irish person a sense that nothing was impossible. This story and many more are told at the Kennedy Homestead in county Wexford. Visitors can follow the fortunes of the most famous Irish-American family from their origins to the present day. An interpretative exhibition traces the story from Patrick Kennedy leaving as a famine emigrant to his great grandchildren’s return as President (John F Kennedy), US Ambassador (Jean Kennedy Smith), founder of the Special Olympics (Eunice Shriver),
Attorney General (Bobby Kennedy) and US Senator (Ted Kennedy). The positive links between Ireland and the USA continue and The Irish America Hall of Fame at the Homestead acknowledges the critical contribution of Irish men and women in history as well as in the present day. Notable figures such as Henry Ford and JFK are remembered here with biographical videos telling their stories. Each year contemporary Irish-Americans are added to the Hall of Fame honored for their achievements. Most recently Hillary Clinton was inducted for her work on the Northern Ireland peace process. If ever there was a place where you can experience Irish-American history coming to life it is here at the Kennedy Homestead. It all started when impoverished famine victims boarded ships for the New World from ports all over Ireland including New Ross, the birthplace of the Kennedys. Here in the port you can also visit the magnificent Dunbrody Famine Ship - an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel. The ship provides a worldclass interpretation of the emigrant experience incorporating guided tour, costumed performers and themed exhibitions.
www.kennedyhomestead.ie www.dunbrody.com
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If Boats Could FLY A JOURNEY ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY WILL REVEAL MANY HIDDEN TREASURES AND WE’LL BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU MIGHT SEE A FLYING BOAT?!
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ell you can do just that in the picturesque village of Foynes, a town, an island and a harbour situated on the southern shore of the Shannon Estuary in the west
of County Limerick.
The role played by Foynes in the establishment of passenger flights across the Atlantic is excitingly captured at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, located in the original Airport Terminal Building. This is a regular stop-off on many CIE Tours trips and a must see for anybody visiting the area. Where else would you get to board the only Boeing B314 Flying Boat replica in the world?! The museum is a step back in time to 1943 and you can discover where the delicious Irish coffee came from. A 3D holographic exhibition recreates the night that Chef Joe Sheridan invented the first Irish coffee for some damp and miserable passengers. You can also watch an original film in a 1940’s style cinema showcasing the war years and learn about
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the Patron of the museum, Maureen O’Hara Blair and the courageous pilots and passengers. The Maritime Museum looks at the history and personality of the River Shannon from Limerick City to Loop Head. You can view charts, maps and geology records and learn about river pilots, dockers, the tragic story of the Colleen Bawn, the story of transportation and emigration on the river and even about the export of uniforms to the American Confederates during the Civil War. There are amazing records of ships and boats and the story of the Windsor Castle Ghost Ship. The village of Foynes is very pretty with a picturesque main street of limestone cut buildings and beautiful wooded walks along the banks of the river Shannon. Enjoy a snack or lunch in O’Regans Restaurant or take a drive further west on the N69 for stunning views of the Shannon Estuary. Whatever you do you must stop by and get your picture taken with that B314! www.flyingboatmuseum.com
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Kilronan Castle
ESTATE & SPA
KILRONAN CASTLE ESTATE & SPA WAS THE ANCESTRAL HOME OF THE TENNISON FAMILY AND THE LEGENDARY COLONEL KING TENNISON.
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t is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families. This secluded, luxury hotel is majestically set on the shores of Lough Meelagh surrounded by over forty acres of breath-taking scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and historical points of interest.
Waterloo where Napoleon was finally defeated and served as members of The Irish Guards in the Boer War. One was a close friend of the poet John Milton. Most generations tended to squander their inheritances but then they or their sons would marry an heiress and their fortunes would bloom again.
Kilronan comes from the Gaelic ‘Cill Ronain’, which means Ronan’s Abbey, the ruins of which are close by as well as St Ronan’s Holy well and the hollow stone he used for the baptism of his followers. The original Castle was built in the early 1800’s and extended in 1876 with a five storey over basement baronial tower and battlements.
Kilronan Castle has 84 superbly appointed bedrooms, including 9 suites individually designed and meticulously furnished in accordance with the changing shades and moods of the Castle’s landscape. A grand estate with excellent spa and leisure facilities, this is a true ‘King and Queen of the castle’ experience. You might even like to try out the French Salon for intimate groups of two, four or eight people. The room features hand painted murals, a 200 year old hand carved giltwood cornice from a French Chateau and the services of your own private butler.
The Tenison family originated in Oxfordshire in the era of Edward the 1st but fought with the Irish Brigade in France and on behalf of The Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie. Their colourful history continued through involvement in the Peninsula Wars in Spain and Portugal. They were represented at The Battle of
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HOOK, LINE & Sinker
DAVID AND PHILIPPA EVANS BEVAN ACQUIRED A SALMON FISHING ESTATE IN IRELAND’S BEAUTIFUL CO WATERFORD IN 2013.
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s well as being a working rural business and a family home the estate has much to offer and all visitors are warmly welcomed.
Whether or not you like to fish Fortwilliam is a haven of tranquillity and a calming retreat. Return visits are frequent and it is the kind of place that invites a sense of curiosity; like how did David and Phillipa find themselves here and what motivated them to invest in a property in Ireland? Philippa explains ”Partly, because my father is Irish and I spent much of my childhood at Woodstown near Dunmore East County Waterford; But it was a good time to invest in Ireland and as agriculturalists we were drawn to the benefits of a dynamic rural community in a prime farming area with a motivated, skilled and youthful population.” Fortwilliam guests can come here to simply enjoy the surroundings or take advantage of fishing on a daily or weekly basis. According to Paul Whelan, Fortwilliam’s fishery manager, “For those who love fishing or who want to learn, Fortwilliam Fishery offers the whole package. Five beats with fly and spinning are catered for and great ghillies with patience and advice are all here with a smile. There are well kept banks with good access while the river itself offers stunning scenery with the Castle
beat being directly under Lismore Castle. “We have new fishing lodges by the river and it’s great to see the parkland and gardens brought back to life. The two-acre walled garden is a wonderful work in progress and the new and evolving Fortwilliam rose collection is a unique addition, so time spent here is pretty special ” explains Paul. David Evans Bevan adds “Since taking over the estate, we have increased the team to five. Irish people have such a cheerful ‘can do’ approach. They are great to work with and it’s very rewarding to work alongside people who are so keen to unlock the farming, fishing and holiday cottage potential at Fortwilliam. Our team are wonderful at looking after customers and helping in any way they can. The knock-on effect of supporting local trade and bringing more people into the area is something we are delighted to give back. Nothing is nicer than when your guests have a wonderful time and return for more. “ Phillipa concludes, “There is always more to do and improve and we have had some lovely feedback which is really appreciated by the whole team.” With great road and now easy air links to Cork, the last leg of the journey to Fortwilliam is quick and easy. www.fortwilliamfishing.ie
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Celtic Jewellery Dublin Celtic Jewellery Dublin release
THEIR 1916 COMMEMORATION PIECE Limited Edition - Inscribed with the Signatories
www.celticjewellerydublin.com 74
Images courtesy of Dublin City Library and Archive
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Decade of
COMMEMORATIONS HISTORY LOVERS HAVE MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN DUBLIN IN 2016.
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s 2016 approaches, Dublin is gearing up for a year full of events and commemorations to remember the 1916 Rising. The centenary of this momentous event in Irish history will be marked by Dublin City Council with exhibitions, history seminars, debates and specially commissioned publications and artwork. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in Irish history to learn and engage with history in the city that played such a pivotal role in the Rising.
Dublin City Council Public Libraries and the City Archives hold a fascinating collection of books, documents and artefacts relating to the 1916 Rising, War of Independence and Free State. Collated online and available from early 2016, the unique “Birth of the Republic” ephemera collection offers a fascinating insight into the turbulent and momentous events leading to Irish independence. An exhibition showcasing this collection will go on display in Dublin City Library and Archive, Pearse St from January to June 2016. And centre-stage of the exhibition will be the logbook of the Dublin Fire Brigade service
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The Pearse family
Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance Logbook for Tara Street Station, Easter 1916
the barracks will stage re-enactments of the courtmartials and host exhibitions
detailing the call-outs made by Tara Street Station fire and ambulance crews during Easter Week 1916. City Archives acquired this unique source in 2014 offering a snapshot into the turmoil experienced by the city in the midst of revolution. “The Story of the Capital” exhibition in City Hall will feature an expanded section on the city in 1916 to include a newly conserved original copy of the Proclamation. Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane will curate an exhibition on Roger Casement on view from April to September 2016 (www.hughlane.ie). For those with an interest in architecture and heritage, “Conflict and Concrete” a project by the city’s Heritage Office, will focus on the destruction and reconstruction of the city after the Rising. In September 2016 The Dublin Festival of History, a city-wide dedicated history festival, will feature in-depth debate and seminars on the 1916 Rising including its legacy, historiography and the impact of the Rising on the civilian population. (www.dublinfestivalofhistory.ie) Dublin’s historic buildings will also be a focus with Dublin City Council, supported by the Department
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of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, spearheading the re-development and refurbishment of the city’s famous Richmond Barracks. Close to Kilmainham Gaol and the Irish War Memorial Gardens, the barracks is integral to the story of the 1916 Rising as it is where the 1916 leaders were court-martialled and then led to their executions in the yard of Kilmainham Gaol. Scheduled to re-open in March 2016, the barracks will stage re-enactments of the court-martials and host exhibitions, events and act as a hub for guided tours of this historic area of Dublin. (www. richmondbarracks.ie) The refurbishment of an eighteenth-century Georgian house on Henrietta Street in the north inner city will be completed during 2016. The house will be a centre for exploring Georgian and tenement life in Dublin as well as offering a training programme for conservation trade skills. The extensive programme is still being planned and developed by Dublin City Council. Keep informed of the 1916 commemorations programme by signing up for the mailing list at: www.dublincity.ie/decadeofcommemorations
DECADE OF COMMEMORATIONS DUBLIN REMEMBERS Dublin City Council invites Dubliners and visitors alike to engage with the history of the City through exhibitions, artworks, lectures, debate, historic documents, walks, drama, the Dublin Festival of History and much more‌ We look forward to welcoming you in March 2016 to the newly refurbished Richmond Barracks, scene of the courts martial of the 1916 leaders and to No. 14 Henrietta Street, a Georgian house which will house a Tenement Museum, testament to the living conditions of many Dubliners 100 years ago.
Keep up-to-date with Dublin City Council’s commemorations programme by signing up for our newsletter at: www.dublincity.ie/ decadeofcommemorations www.richmondbarracks.ie www.dublinfestivalofhistory.ie www.hughlane.ie 77
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1916 marked the turning point for Irish Independence and the dawn of a modern Irish era. To commemorate this momentous event, Jewel Star has crafted an exquisite range of gold and silver bands encrusted with the green emerald of Ireland. A ring has no beginning and no end, like the love and affinity felt by the global Irish for their homeland and roots. The 1916 range consists of a combination of silver and 10 carat gold bands. Jewel Star commemorative rings will stand the test of time and mark a point in Irish history when Ireland became a nation once again. Set in Stone; Steeped in History Contact +353 1 679 8707
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Rooting out the
IRISH ROOTS
IF YOU COME HOME TO ROOST, WHY NOT TRACE YOUR IRISH ROOTS.
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ccording to US census data there are 39.6 million Americans with Irish heritage. That number is almost seven times larger than the entire population of Ireland (6.3 million). After German, Irish is the most common ancestry of Americans so it is little wonder that rooting out the Irish roots is high on the agenda of many visitors. So how do you go about finding yourself in Ireland?
The Census The National Archives of Ireland provide many important services – all of them free. Foremost among these are the Censuses of 1901 and 1911, the last surviving censuses administered by the British government. The information provided includes names, addresses, occupations, religion and literacy (“can read and write”), whether Gaelic (referred to as
“Irish” in Ireland) is spoken, the number of children born and number of children living. The form is signed by the head of the household, perhaps giving you a first look at the penmanship of your great-great-grandfather. You can access both censuses at www.census.nationalarchives.ie.
Parish Records Another invaluable service provided by the National Archives is the Parish Records, with free access available at www.irishgenealogy.ie. Parish records include baptismal information and to a lesser extent, marriage and death information. The National Library of Ireland located in Dublin at 2/3 Kildare Street, just down the street from the Shelbourne Hotel, offers microfilm copies of Catholic Parish Registers and the Tithe Applotment Books, online access to Griffiths Primary Valuation of Property and many printed resources such as newspapers
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??? | ??? and trade directories. The Genealogy Advisory Service is available free of charge to all personal callers to the Library who wish to research their family history in Ireland. Another excellent, free service, provided by the Mormon Church, is called Family Search (www.familysearch.org), which claims to be the world’s largest genealogy organization.
Cemeteries If you know where your people are buried, cemeteries contain a wealth of family information, specifically, birth and death dates on headstones. More detailed information can often be found in records located in cemetery offices. In Dublin, the Glasnevin Trust Museum offers a fascinating look at Ireland’s foremost cemetery (take a taxi or the #9 or #83 bus from the city center – a fifteen minute ride – and ask the driver to let you out near the cemetery). Tours commence at 2:30 p.m. daily. Charge is €6 (approximately $8.50). The tour includes entrance into Daniel O’Connell’s tomb (it is considered “lucky” to touch his coffin), a visit to the appropriately named “Republican Plot” where many famous Irish revolutionaries are buried, plus visits to the graves of patriots Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins. But the biggest service offered by the Glasnevin Trust is its fantastic website (glasnevintrust. ie), which gives access to the names of almost all who have been buried at Glasnevin from 1828 to the present (over 1.5 million people). A preliminary search is free and a detailed search of the grave is available for approximately $4.25 – $11.25). This service is invaluable because it provides a list of everyone in a particular grave. Often, names were not recorded on the headstone. Glasnevin Cemetery has an excellent genealogy research area, where access to the extensive online records can be accessed containing details on name of deceased, age, address, grave location, date of death, sex, religion, occupation, marital status & cause of death. Unique records for small pox, cholera epidemics, famine and angel’s plots (infant burial) make for fascinating reading, detailing the troubled history and struggles that ordinary folk faced in extraordinary times. The Genealogy Research Centre opening times are Monday & Tuesday 10.00am to 14.00pm, Thursday & Fri 10.00am to 16.00pm.
British Military & the Guinness Brewery Many Dublin Irish joined the military from the 19th century through the Great War. The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association (www.greatwar.ie) is a valuable resource service run by Seán Connolly on the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The British Army WWI regiment was one of the five Irish regiments disbanded by the British following the signing of the treaty in December 1921, which created the Irish Free State. Another source of information is the Guinness Archive. If you had a relative who was an employee of Guinness it is possible to make an appointment to view their employment record. The Guinness Archives are located at the Guinness Storehouse.
General Register Office Research Room
“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place; We stay there even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back.” - Pascal Mercier
The General Registry Office is in Werburgh Street, near Christ Church Cathedral. It is hidden down an alley and hard to find; here’s how: Across from Christ Church at the corner of Werburgh Street is the Lord Edward pub. Next to that is Leo Burdock’s fish & chip shop (a delicious place to stop if you develop hunger pangs). Cross the street here and you are in front of St. Werburgh’s Church. To the right of that is the Parish Office. To the right of the Parish Office is an alley and at the end of the alley there is a sign “Oifig an And-Chlaraitheora”–the General Registry Office. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m daily. Once inside you have access to all births/deaths/marriages in Ireland from 1864 onward (and non-Catholic marriages from 1845). Staff are extremely professional and helpful and it’s worth the trip even thought you might have got lost trying to get her but hey, sometimes when you lose your way you find yourself. Instant genealogical gratification! Article reproduced with kind permission of Dermot McEvoy, www.dermotmcevoy.com
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Bring your Irish Roots to life Try Findmypast for $5 using code SPIRIT
1 month World subscription for $5 - usually $19.95 Offer valid until 31st May 2015
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findmypast 83
At Irish Heritage Urns, we embrace the history of Ireland and the tradition of fine craftsmanship when creating our unique, handmade urns and frames. Each urn and frame is lovingly hand crafted by Tom and Jim Kinnane, master craftsmen for more than 20 years, in their Tipperary workshop. Our urns and matching frames are created exclusively from native Irish timber varieties, each with a special place in Ireland’s heritage. Authentically Irish made by Irish Carpenters in Ireland using Native Irish Timber, Ancient Bog Oak and Irish Textile
Irish Heritage Urns
Barnalascaw, Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Ireland www.irishheritageurns.com | 00353 (0) 86 8164953 84
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History
UNDERFOOT IT MAY SEEM AN ODD PLACE TO ADD TO YOUR TRAVEL PLANS, BUT DUBLIN’S OLDEST CEMETERY IS A FASCINATING PLACE.
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pened in the 1830s with high walls and seven watchtowers that were to be manned by armed guards to deter body-snatchers, Glasnevin is a ‘Who’s Who’ of key historical figures. The cemetery and museum are both the guardians and storytellers for over 1.5 million people. From the ordinary to the truly extraordinary, these people helped shape the Ireland of today.
“Here lies George Johnson, hanged by mistake in 1882. He was right, we was wrong, But we strung him up and now he’s gone”
Historian Conor Dodd explains “There are thousands of stories to be told throughout the cemetery. There’s a huge sense of history here with new snippets being uncovered every day. Even the styles of art in terms of headstones and monuments are works of art in their own right.” Conor is part of an extensive team who arrange tours, visits and discovery of Glasnevin’s past. The tours have entertaining guides who spin yarns and recite history in a congenial yet expert manner. The first burial at Glasnevin was way back in 1832 - a young boy called Michael Carey from Francis Street in Dublin. Back then the cemetery was a bit outside the city surrounded by open fields but nowadays it is a short hop by public transport to get here. It was Daniel O’Connell, famous orator and
founder of the catholic emancipation movement who established Glasnevin as a place where all could be buried, irrespective of religion. Up to that point there was nowhere that Catholics could officially be buried. It is fitting therefore that the great man is buried in Glasnevin and you can visit his crypt, see the round tower in his honor and hear all about the catholic emancipation movement – the precursor to Ireland’s ultimate rising against British rule and independence in 1922. Catholic emancipation was the start of a long struggle culminating in the Easter Rising of 1916. Another great Irishman laid to rest at Glasnevin played an important part in Irish independence both in his life and even more so in his death. Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa was an Irish Fenian leader and prominent member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Rossa lived through the great hunger. He was in his teens at the time and being from an area of Ireland badly affected by the famine, he witnessed the worst of what it had to offer. Rossa went to New York as part of group known as The Cuba 5 (because they travelled to the USA on the SS Cuba). There they established a newspaper to actively support Irish independence and Rossa spent the rest of his life, there dying at 83 in 1915 on Staten Island.
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It was a time of huge upheaval and political unrest back in Ireland where leaders of the Irish republican movement were starting to see opportunities opening up in terms of rebellion with the first world war dragging on which hugely distracted Great Britain. On the death of O’Donovan Rossa, they sent messages over to America to bring back Rossa’s body to Ireland to be buried. In doing so they organised the most famous funeral in Irish history –a massive event at Glasnevin and a springboard for Pádraig Pearse and recruitment for the 1916 rising.
“When I came back to Dublin I was court-martialled in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence” – Brendan Behan 86
Padraig Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, writer and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916. He was born in Dublin in 1879 to an English father and an Irish mother. He was an idealist and passionate about having ‘Ireland for the Irish. He was a pioneer of Irish writing and published poems, stories, articles and essays to further the identification of Ireland as a separate culture. Pearse was a believer in a revolution, convinced that the only way to liberate Ireland from England was through insurrection. His famous oration at the funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa demonstrated his passion and its force attracted thousands of new followers to the Republican cause: ‘We stand at Rossa’s grave not in sadness, but in
exultation of spirit... This is a place of peace sacred to the dead, where men should speak with all charity and all restraint; but I hold it a Christian thing... to hate evil, to hate untruth, to hate oppression, and hating them to strive to overthrow them... while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree, shall never be at peace.’ Pearse was heavily involved with the planning of the 1916 Easter Rising which was the catalyst for the subsequent War of Independence, Civil War and eventual declaration of a Republic in 1949. The rising failed as he must have known it would but as a hero and inspiration for Irish independence, Pearse will never be forgotten. He was executed with fourteen others at Kilmainham Jail on May 3, 1916, apparently whistling as he went to meet his maker. Another Irish great who lies in Glasnevin is Michael Collins. This Irish revolutionary leader was born in 1890 in West Cork and although his early career was that of a stockbroker in London, he eventually rose through the ranks of the Irish Republican Brotherhood to become a member of its Supreme Council. Collins took part in the 1916 Easter Rising, fighting in the General Post Office in Dublin and getting arrested for his part in the attack. Rather than being hanged, however, Collins was sent to an internment camp where he rose further through the leadership of Sinn Fein. He was appointed as the
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Daniel O Connell the Liberator; father of Catholic emancipation, 1775 – 1847
Minister of Finance for the Irish Republic in 1919 and later went to London to negotiate the Anglo-Irish Treaty to recognize the existence of a new Irish state. Collins was killed in 1922 in an ambush organized by members of the Irish Republican Army who were opposed to the treaty which he had helped to negotiate. Just after Ireland gained Independence one of Ireland’s great wits and supporter of the Irish cause was born. Brendan Behan was born in Dublin in 1923. He contributed to the world of Irish literature in several ways writing poetry, short stories, novels and plays yet he left school at just 13 years old to paint houses for a living. Behan was politically active throughout his life and joined the Irish Republican Army at the age of 16. That same year he got arrested in Liverpool for attempting to blow up the docks. He spent three years in prison and later spent 14 more years in prison for the attempted murder of two detectives. He wrote about his prison time as well as many other things in his literary works. He died at the age of 41 in 1964 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. Conor Dodd concludes, “The Irish are famous for their stories and if it’s a story you’re after, you can fill your cup with the best of Ireland here at Glasnevin cemetery.” A plethora of reviews, awards and Tripadvisor recommendations can’t be wrong. And if none of these folk are famous enough for you, the tomb of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick can be found near the south wall of Downpatrick Cathedral and the tomb of Saint Valentine, patron saint of lovers is in the Whitefriars Street Church in Dublin. www.glasnevintrust.ie
The Michael Collins Centre & Memorial Park At this unique Interpretive Facility, his cousins, the Crowley Family, tell the story of Irish patriot Michael Collins. The Award winning Centre, explores Michael Collins’ Childhood, his role in the 1916 Rising, War of Independence and his death in the Civil War.
Clonakilty, Co. Cork | Tel: 023-8846107 www.michaelcollinscentre.com e.mail: michaelcollinscentre@gmail.com
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THE 13TH APOSTLE THE 13TH APOSTLE IS A FASCINATING STORY OF A DUBLIN FAMILY, MICHAEL COLLINS AND THE IRISH UPRISING For seven hundred years the British occupied Ireland stealing its land, looting its meagre wealth, enacting extraordinarily punitive taxes and imposing a famine on its inhabitants. On Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, a handful of rebels commandeered buildings around Dublin City and brought the British army to a standstill for nearly a week. Almost immediately after their surrender, fourteen of the leaders were shot in the breaker’s yard of Kilmainham Gaol. Sixteen men in all were executed for their uprising against the British. With the elimination of the 1916 leaders, another generation of revolutionaries rose to take their place. This cadre was led by Eamon de Valera, a senior commandant who escaped execution because of his natural-born American citizenship and Michael Collins, who would soon rise to hold the positions of Minister for Finance in the first Dáil and Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army.
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Collins’s reign as a revolutionary was short—a lively six years between the Easter Rising and his death in an ambush on August 22, 1922. But during that short period of time he led a bloody guerrilla war that is now textbook for all emerging revolutionaries, much studied by the likes of Mao Tse-Tung and Yitzhak Shamir, who would later become the seventh prime minister of Israel. (Shamir’s nom-de-guerre interestingly enough was Michael.) For the first time the British became the hunted—and they did not like it. Michael Collins against impossible odds had beaten the British at their own game of intimidation. One of Collins’s cohorts and co-conspirators was a fourteen-year-old Dublin boy he met in the General Post Office during Easter Week. His name was Eoin Kavanagh. The 13th Apostle is their story. Author Dermot McEvoy was born in Dublin and now lives in New York. He has written five books including The 13th Apostle. www.dermotmcevoy.com
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Delightful
DUBLIN You simply cannot pass through Ireland without spending some time in Dublin. It’s Ireland’s capital city and a capital place to spend a weekend.
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Families a re welcome.
Situated 10 minutes from Dublin city centre, The Irish House Party is a unique experience in Dublin. It is a traditional Irish music and dance party in an 18th century Dublin townhouse where you can avail of a delicious 3 course traditional Irish dinner from a choice menu before the entertainment starts. There are gluten free and vegetarian options available.
After your dinner you are brought into the parlour room of the house where you are entertained by All Ireland champion musicians and dancers. You get to see the musicians and dancing up close and also to experience our indigenous Irish instruments. Dinner seating is at 7pm. The show starts at 8.30pm and finishes at 10pm.
More information can be found on www.TheIrishHouseParty.com 90
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Three Cheers for
DUBLIN
DUBLIN IS A CITY WITH OODLES OF PERSONALITY. ITS PEOPLE ARE A CHARISMATIC BUNCH WHOSE SOUL AND SOCIABILITY ARE COMPELLING AND INFECTIOUS. IT’S A BIG CAPITAL VILLAGE AND DUBLINERS LIVE ACCORDINGLY.
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ublin has a rich history from its medieval castles and cathedrals to the splendour of the 18th century when it was the most handsome Georgian city in all of Europe. A guided bus tour is probably the best way to see it all but on your travels you must spend some time in a Dublin pub. It’s the social hub of the city - its favourite social lubricant - and there are over 1000 to choose from. Music often breaks out in Dublin pubs so expect the unexpected. Even better seek out a real ‘Irish hooley’ with music, dance and serious fun. In the city centre at the Lansdowne Hotel the place rocks to the sound of ‘The Irish House Party,’ an authentic song and dance experience where musicians and performers casually introduce themselves around
the tables and sit for a bit of banter if invited to do so. Go a little further afield and take in the mountain views at ‘the highest pub in Ireland’. Johnnie Fox’s in Glencullen is seriously pretty and mighty good craic. If that wasn’t enough the food is outstanding, especially the seafood. Their massive seafood platter is legendary and absolutely delicious. Johnnie’s place is known far and wide and they even have a hooley bus to take you home in the wee hours to city centre hotels. In the city itself a stop at the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson distillery is a must – sure you might as well taste the famous brew in its hometown! Whatever you choose to do in Dublin it is first and foremost a sociable city full of friendly, chatty people. You’re sure to enjoy it – Sláinte.
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Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
DISCOVER IRELAND
#dublinhorseshow
5–9 AUGUST 2015 Book your tickets now on www.dublinhorseshow.com
Spirit of Ireland Half Page Ad v4 Final.indd 1
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See all the sights on a Coca-Cola Zero dublinbike Christ Church Cathedral • Dublin Castle Dublinia • Dublin Writers Museum Dublin Zoo • Farmleigh • Guinness Storehouse Kilmainham Gaol • National Aquatic Centre National Botanic Gardens National Gallery of Ireland National Museum of Ireland Old Jameson Distillery • St. Patrick’s Cathedral St. Stephen’s Green • Temple Bar The National Gallery of Ireland The Science Gallery • Trinity College
for information on 3 Day Tickets visit www.dublinbikes.ie
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Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
TWO DAYS In
Dublin
DEPENDING ON WHO YOU ARE, OR WHERE YOU’RE COMING FROM, WHETHER YOU’VE BEEN MANY TIMES, OR HAVEN’T VISITED AT ALL, THERE ARE ENDLESS REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH DUBLIN.
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ublin is rich with landmarks of times gone by. From historic banks and post offices, to gorgeous Georgian squares, the city brims with echoes from the past. It is also a city which is thriving and bursting with activity. With this in mind, no two visits to Dublin are ever the same. Your adventure can include everything from culture and music to water sports and breath-taking scenery. With so much packed into one great little city, it’s
important to make the most of your time in Ireland’s capital so a ‘Hop-On Hop-Off’ bus tour is a great way to get the best out of your trip. The Dublin Bus Tour is the longest established Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in Dublin City, and it’s the city’s favourite, having won awards year on year since beginning in 1988. Follow our suggested two day itinerary for your trip to Dublin and make the most of your time in the capital. Of course, you might not get to see everything but that just means you’ll have to book yourself another break to Ireland! 93
Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
€33 Kids €16 Adults
Enjoy the best of Dublin with Your Freedom of the City Pass Your 3 Day Freedom of Dublin CIty Pass includes: Green Hop – On Hop – Off Sightseeing Tour Airlink Express to and from Dublin Airport Public Bus travel anywhere in Dublin for 3 Days!
Enjoy the best of Dublin with Your Freedom of the City Pass” Freedom Ticket available at: Dublin Airport: Travel Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall Kiosk at Airlink boarding area (T1 & T2) City Centre: Dublin Bus Head Office, 59 Upper O’Connell St. Tel: +353 1 703 3028 Online: www.dublinsightseeing.ie
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Dublin Sightseeing
Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
Visitors often like to do a full loop of the tour to get their bearings - and that’s a great idea!
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Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
DAY 1 Start off in the city centre on one of Dublin’s most historically significant streets, O’Connell Street. Once called Sackville Street, it was at one time the widest main street in Europe. The Dublin Bus Tour starts at the Dublin Bus Office on O’Connell Street and it is here you can grab a two day ticket for the tour either on the bus or at the Dublin Sightseeing desk where you can pick up some great travel tips from the Meet & Greet team. Your ticket allows you two days on the tour, on two routes, with free entry into the Little Museum of Dublin and a free walking tour by Pat Liddy, one of Dublin’s favourite historians. Visitors often like to do a full loop of the tour to get their bearings - and that’s a great idea! Then a visit to Trinity College, right in the heart of Dublin City, offers a wonderful cultural experience and walking through the Old Library is an experience to remember. After visiting the Book of Kells in Trinity College you can take in Georgian Dublin including Irish Government buildings which are right alongside one of the city’s gorgeous parks, Merrion Square (once the
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Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
private ‘garden’ for people living in the generous townhouses around the Square). Dublin’s favourite park is right beside this on St. Stephen’s Green at Stop 5 or 7. The ‘Green’ was once the only open space available to Dubliners in tenement days where outside space and green fields were in short supply. The Little Museum of Dublin at St. Stephens’ Green is one of Dublin’s newest museums and offers one of the best museum experiences in Dublin. The guided tours, which start on the hour, every hour, are the best way to see the museum. Although smaller than your typical museum, the tour is packed with brilliant information on 20th century Dublin. Best of all, you have free entry with your Dublin Bus Tour ticket. Tummies are rumbling by lunch time so why not visit the famous Bad Bobs Bar & Restaurant in Temple
Bar for lunch. As afternoon quickly approaches, hop on the bus and visit either St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral, which are both on the Hop-on Hop-off route. Both Cathedrals are stunning with Christ Church dating from as far back as 1030. St. Patrick’s is the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland community and a magnificent example of gothic architecture. A great way to spend an evening is to plan a dinner & show at The Irish House Party, voted one of the best activities to do when in Dublin.
DAY 2 Provided you haven’t overdone it the night before, ideally you should try to start early. Hop on the city tour to Kilmainham Gaol. This hugely popular attraction is where some of modern Irish history’s most
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Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
disturbing and inspirational dramas have played out. Tours do book out quickly, so if you have to wait around for your tour to begin, why not visit the gorgeous gardens across the road from the Gaol at the Royal Hospital. After your crash course in Irish history at Kilmainham, hop on the tour again to visit the Phoenix Park, a 707 hectares (1752 acres) park and one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. Then a visit to Smithfield and the Old Jameson
Distillery is a welcome wind-down. The distillery is one of Dublin’s most visited attractions - and with good reason too! On the guided tour, visitors will learn the history of Jameson and learn what goes into the whiskey to give it its wonderful taste; not to mention the delicious tasting at the end of the tour. A trip around the modern Dublin Docklands is a great way to spend an afternoon, so hop on the Docklands Route on O’Connell Street. This 45 minute route stops by the Grand Canal Basin, the
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Jeanie Johnston famine memorial ship and the famous U2 Graffiti wall. Possibilities for the evening include a Ghostbus Tour which takes in Dublin’s dark macabre side. It’s a storytelling bus like no other, where passengers visit the city’s most haunted locations and guides entertain you with a bit of brogue and banter. Alternatively, enjoy your evening at the atmospheric Bison Bar on Wellington Quay, Dublin’s Texan barbeque followed by some craic in the famous Church Bar on Mary Street – a bar that was once a genuine church. Dublin Sightseeing have operated bus tours in and around Dublin City and county for over 27 years and their tours include the Hop-On Hop-Off city tour, Coast & Castle tour to Malahide Castle and Howth and the Coast, Gardens & Glendalough Tour to Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains. For additional information, visit www.dublinsightseeing.ie
Delightful Dublin | DUBLIN BUS
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Showtime at the RDS
THE PATTER OF HOOVES ON THE TURF, THE CHEER OF THE CROWD, DRESSED UP OR DRESSED DOWN, HORSES ARE A NATIONAL OBSESSION IN IRELAND AND THERE IS NO FINER HORSE SHOW THAN THE PRESTIGIOUS DUBLIN SHOW HELD EACH AUGUST BY THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY.
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he 142nd Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show takes place from Wednesday, August 5th to Sunday, August 9th at the historic RDS showgrounds in Ballsbridge, Dublin. As one of Ireland’s largest sporting, social and family events, the Show is the highlight of the summer season and each year welcomes thousands of visitors from Ireland and from around the world.
equine industry in Ireland, the first Dublin Horse Show took place on the lawns of Leinster House now home to the Irish Government.
Founded by the Royal Dublin Society to foster the
Set within the majestic 42-acre Royal Dublin Society
Dating back to 1868, the Dublin Horse Show is a national institution and this five-day event features over 1,300 horses competing in 125 international classes including the prestigious Furusiyya FEI Nations’ Cup™ for the Aga Khan Trophy which was won by Team USA last year.
Delightful Dublin | RDS
A highlight for fashionistas is Ladies’ Day with prizes for Best Dressed Lady, Most Creative Hat and Best Dressed Man
site, the Show offers visitors a truly unique insight and access to living Irish culture within a city environment. At the Show one can enjoy the RDS Student Art and Craft awards exhibition, a visit to the antique stalls and the RDS Library and Archives Exhibition. Entertainment is a must for all visitors and there is a packed programme of events including live music, entertainers and kids attractions. If you feel in the mood for a spot of shopping there are over 300 shopping stands from which to choose. There are also many tasty offerings available at with numerous cafes, restaurants and a food court on site.
One of the highlights of the week for fashionistas is Ladies’ Day Thursday August 6th. This premier style event includes a number of fantastic prizes including Best Dressed Lady, Most Creative Hat and the g Hotel Best Dressed Man. Celebrating Ireland’s affinity with the horse, the Discover Dublin Horse Show showcases Ireland’s leadership in equestrian sports whilst delivering an enviable day out for visitors to Dublin. www.dublinhorseshow.com
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Irish Bottle Clocks The Rare Auld Time Company Time in a Bottle
A UNIQUE GIFT! 100% Recycled Bottles
100% Handcrafted in Dublin New Products just launched
The Rare Auld Time Company a ​ re delighted to announce their new Heineken Bottle Clock and Irish Rugby Framed Collection, the Six Nations, the Four Provinces, Leinster, Connaught, Munster and Ulster using the original Heineken Glass Bottle. 3 Newhaven Avenue, Flemington Lane, Balbriggan, Co Dublin ,Ireland
Contact Eugene Mc Quillan Phone : +353 1 8416877 Mobile/Cell : +353 87 602 9812 Email: eugene@thebottleclock.com sales@thebottleclock.com www.therareauldtimecompany.com | www.thebottleclock.com Registered in the Republic of Ireland Company registration number 540508
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HOW
THE IRISH
E IN WHISKEY
PUT THE NOT SURPRISINGLY THE IRISH INVENTED WHISKEY. THEY CALLED IT UISCE BEATHA MEANING WATER OF LIFE.
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he English, mystified by the happiness of the locals and their magical water—pronounced “ish - key - baha” — tasted it, liked it and declared it ‘whiskey.’
Today all Irish whiskeys have an ‘e’ in them. However different whiskeys from different countries may or may not have an ‘e’. Take for example the United States. Most American whiskeys— Bourbon, Tennessee, Corn, Rye, Malt, Wheat—use the ‘e’ in their whiskey. This may be explained in that most of the people who settled in the southern and Appalachian parts of colonial America in the eighteenth century were Scotch Protestants from the Ulster province of Ireland. So it would be natural for them to take along the version of whiskey they were familiar with. In America they would be known as Scotch-Irish but to many of their Catholic countrymen they would always be hillbillies—people from the hills who were the followers of William of Orange, King Billy, thus ‘Billy boys.’ (King Billy is still derided by Ireland’s Catholics as one ditty reminds us: “Up the long ladder and down the short rope,
to hell with King Billy and God bless the Pope!”) The only Protestant and Catholic common denominator seemed to be their adherence to the ‘e’ in their whiskeys. Just across the sea in Scotland there is no ‘E’ in Scotch whisky. There are theories as to why the Irish have an ‘e’ in their whiskey and the Scotch do not. One is how their individual Gaelic words for water are pronounced. The Irish uisce is pronounced ‘ishkey’ and the Scotch uisge is pronounced ‘oosh-ka.’ In Canada there is no ‘e’ in their whisky. The same is true of Australia where they produce single malt whiskies. This is surprising because so much of Australia was populated with Irish, many of whom went involuntarily as revolutionary felons. India followed their British occupiers and failed to adopt the ‘e’ in the whisky as did both Japan and Germany. There seems to be one simple rule — if your favorite booze’s country of origin has an ‘e’ in it like Ireland, then it’s WhiskEy; if it doesn’t, it’s just plain old Whisky. Dermot McEvoy, author, www.dermotmcevoy.com
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STEP INSIDE THE
HOME OF
JAMESON
BOOK YOUR TOUR AT JAMESONWHISKEY.COM
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Whiskey Sour IS SWEET
SO OFTEN THESE DAYS THE BEST TWIST THAT HAPPENS TO A COCKTAIL IS A RETURN TO ITS ROOTS.
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he Whiskey Sour has two sets of origins: Its original 19th century roots, plus its mid-20th century roots when it became a different drink altogether.
A visit to the spiritual home of Jameson Irish Whiskey in Bow Street is a must for any visitor to Dublin, where the craft story, the people and the quirky drinks offered from the vast choice of bars always go down smoothly.
Back when Harry Johnson and Jerry Thomas were not the only bartenders to hold court behind the mahogany during the mid to late 1800s, every barman knew that the Whiskey Sour was a drink to be mastered. One of the favourite whiskeys’ served in JJ’s Bar at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin attracts its own attention either pre or post the guided tour.
Tours of the distillery are available 7 days a week and all explorers receive a comparison whiskey tasting, learning the difference between Jameson and other global whiskey brands, dually rewarded afterwards with a Jameson Ginger and Lime drink. Tours sell out quickly in this whiskey mecca so book online early; www.jamesonwhiskey.com 105
Discover the splendor of...
Malahide Castle & Gardens is the perfect location to impress your international guests, we can cater for a range of different events from
private Guided Tours of the Castle - drinks receptions & entertainment - private dining Options Team Building & incentive days - Meeting & Conference room Hire - On-site Catering
Open daily all year rOund To explore your ideas further contact our Sales & Marketing department on +353 1 866 6784 or email pollardj@shannonheritage.com www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie 106
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MEDIEVAL
D
Magic
ublin Castle is impressive and it hosts many a state event but while a visit is worthwhile you never really get to see everything with limited access to the inside. By contrast you can live, eat and breathe antiquity in the lovely seaside town of Malahide on Dublin’s north coast. Malahide Castle is the real deal and as a result it is featured on most organised tours, yet it is just as easily accessed using Dubin’s DART (light rail system) and a short hop out along the coast route is a guaranteed day to remember. At Malahide you can step inside a real castle and see it now much as it was in its heyday. Wander through sumptuously decorated rooms, stroll around the magnificent walled gardens, see ruins of an ancient church and graveyard and have a gourmet meal at the fantastic Avoca Café and bustling craft store. The castle is full of surprises including a magnificent art collection. This year sees the launch of the conservation project of Jan Wyck’s painting, The Battle of the Boyne (1693), which hangs in the Great Hall at Malahid Castle. This historic and impressive painting (219 x 302 cm) was bequeathed to the National Gallery in 1936 and has been on loan to the Castle since 1976. A visit this year lets you see the painting being restored in situ. It’s an impressive place and a pretty impressive package.
www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie 107
#discovertitanicbelfast
Discover the full story rms titanic
her legacy lives on at titanic belfast Book your tickets today at xtitanicbelfast.com KILRONAN 3450 Generic Advert 180mm 127mm_Layout 1 27/02/2015 12:46 Page 1
Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon. This secluded, luxury, Roscommon Castle hotel is majestically set on the shores of Lough Meelagh, surrounded by over forty acres of breathtaking Irish scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and historical points of interest. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent Roscommon lawns, the luxury Castle hotel overlooks a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds. Relax and unwind in our Pool or let us pamper you with one of our luxurious treatments in our world class spa. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of luxury, comfort and service. You will enjoy old world elegance with modern day comforts. One step inside Kilronan Castle, Roscommon and you are at home.. With our warm and friendly atmosphere we will see to your every need, everything has been designed with your desires in mind. T: 071 96 18000 108
E: enquiries@kilronancastle.ie
Download App - kilronancastle.ie/app
www.kilronancastle.ie
CASTLE HOTELS
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CIE Awards AT A RECEPTION IN DUBLIN CASTLE PLAQUES WERE PRESENTED TO 94 WINNERS AT THE 25TH CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE BY VIVIENNE JUPP, CHAIRMAN AND BRIAN STACK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL.
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he winners of the Awards of Excellence are chosen from an independent valuation of feedback surveys completed by over 30,000 CIE Tours International customers. The list includes both category winners as well as those who have received a merit award which is made to those who have achieved over 90% in customer feedback. Thirteen overall category winners from around the country were chosen according to customer feedback. A total of 94 winners included hotels, B&B’s, entertainment venues and tourist destinations
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ranging from ‘Best 5 Star Hotel’ to ‘Best Hotel Service’ award. In addition a ‘Hall of Fame’ Award was presented to Liam Murray, Blarney Co. Cork who has provided guiding services for CIE Tours for fifteen years. Lifetime/Outstanding Company Awards were presented to John Lovell, CEO, of Texas based Vacation. com, CIE Tours largest customer in the United States and John Madden, Travelworld, Pennsylvania, the largest group producer. Mr. Brian Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International said: “Since 1932, CIE Tours has brought in excess of three million visitors to Ireland.
2014 was another successful year with revenues up almost 10% on 2013 levels. We booked in the region of 400,000 bed nights across Ireland and our success is due to the excellent service provided by hundreds of service providers around the country.” “A major strength is our size which enables us to negotiate excellent value for money packages particularly since our customers like the security of our all inclusive prices combined with the quality of the experience they get. With the largest range of tour programmes for those wishing to visit Ireland, we can bring tourists to many areas and attractions
not covered by other tour operators. This includes many rural communities particularly in the North and Northwest of the country.” “Based on the fact that the economy in our largest market, the United States is growing strongly, together with a substantial increase in the number of available passenger air seats to Ireland, we are optimistic that 2015 will be as good as 2014.” Several factors came together to create this rising tide: the retention of the lower VAT rate, significant increases in air access and the Tourism Ireland’s strong promotion of Ireland, making it a ‘hot’ destination thanks to The Gathering.
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??? | ??? Top Awards went to: BEST 5 STAR HOTEL Westbury Hotel, Dublin BEST 4 STAR HOTEL Cabra Castle Hotel, Cavan BEST 3 STAR HOTEL Benners Hotel, Kerry BEST HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin BEST HOTEL DINNER Dromoland Castle Hotel, Clare BEST HOTEL SERVICE & HOSPITALITY Granville Hotel, Waterford HERITAGE GOLD AWARD Cliffs of Moher, Clare The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare was awarded the first ever Heritage Gold award in the annual CIE Awards of Excellence. Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD presented the inaugural Heritage Gold Award to the Clare County Council owned visitor attraction. The Heritage Gold award is presented to the single supplier in any category who has contributed most to the success of CIE Tours International in 2014. 24,334 surveys were completed by CIE customers who visited the Cliffs of Moher as part of a tour in 2014 and an overall satisfaction rating of 95.5% was achieved by the County Clare attraction, which last year saw overall visitor numbers break the one million mark for the first time.
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MALAHIDE CASTLE Magnificent Malahide Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century,has over 260 acres of remaining estate parklandand an authentic, classic castle. It is close to the village of Malahide, nine miles north of Dublin. A stunning piece of history and heritage to explore, it is consistently voted a top attraction for tourists and locals alike.
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Special accolade awards were presented to top rated destinations around the country including: DUNBRODY EMIGRANT SHIP Wexford GLASNEVIN MUSEUM Dublin GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE Wicklow IRISH NATIONAL STUD & JAPANESE GARDENS Kildare JERPOINT PARK Kilkenny MALAHIDE CASTLE Dublin BLARNEY CASTLE Cork FOYNES FLYING BOAT MUSEUM Limerick KING JOHNS CASTLE Limerick KILRONAN CASTLE Roscommon WESTPORT HOUSE Mayo KYLEMORE ABBEY Galway MUCKROSS HOUSE Kerry SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS Donegal TITANIC Belfast
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DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP Called coffin ships due to the fatality rate of passengers it is hard to imagine the leaky, smelly boats that hauled a generation of Irish to America when you see the hugely impressive Dunbrody in the docks of New Ross. The stories of Irish emigrants are recalled at this replica ship on the waterfront in New Ross. The emigrants’ sorrowful yet inspiring stories are brought to life by docents during 45-minute tours while a 10-minute film provides historical background about Ireland at the time.
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GLENDALOUGH Glendalough (Gleann dá Loch, ‘Valley of the Two Lakes’) is one of the most beautiful corners of the whole country and the epitome of the kind of rugged, romantic Ireland that probably drew you to the island in the first place. The substantial remains of the monastic settlement are impressive but the real draw is the splendid setting: two dark and mysterious lakes tucked into a deep valley covered in forest. It is a deeply tranquil and spiritual place and you will have little difficulty in understanding why those solitude-seeking monks came here in the first place.
Step inside a Flying Boat in the beautiful village of Foynes
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MUCKROSS HOUSE This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. Inside the house a bustling craft trade flourishes with traditional craftspeople working their wares and shipping authentic Irish products all over the world. Immediately east of the house are the Muckross Traditional Farms. Here you can visit reproductions of 1930s Kerry farms complete with chickens, pigs, cattle and horses, show farming and living conditions when people had to live off the land.
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We are generally from open 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, but please do phone first, just in case. And for weekend opening call Liz on 0876821563 and if she is available she will be delighted to open and demonstrate on the loom. The GPS co-ordinates for your SAT NAV are: N54˚09.930’ & W6˚47.772 There is parking available and bus tours/large groups are welcome but please pre-arrange. 118
Spirit of Ireland | ID2015
Good design shapes everything we see, use and experience. It can change how we live, work and play. It can bring communities together and influence how we interact with each other.
Irish
BY DESIGN IRISH DESIGN 2015 IS THE START OF A JOURNEY EXPLORING, PROMOTING AND CELEBRATING IRISH DESIGN AND DESIGNERS THROUGH EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND AND INTERNATIONALLY.
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he ID2015 programme includes events across the island of Ireland, as well as activities and showcases at design weeks, fashion weeks and architecture biennales in international design capitals.
ID2015 aims to foster dialogue and collaboration. By encouraging investment in design as a key component of competitiveness and innovation, the overall objective of the initiative is to sustain and grow opportunities for the Irish design sector. ID2015 is an all-island initiative and will showcase the best of Irish design at home through events and exhibitions but
also target the export market through trade missions and events in international capitals. One of the key events of the ID2015 programme is ‘Design Island’ a new photographic exhibition at Dublin Airport celebrating the breadth of Irish creativity. The exhibition comprises of a series of 300 photographs by award winning Irish photographer Peter Rowen and captures 24 designers at work in their studios all over Ireland, presenting evocative images of their location, the raw materials and tools of their trade, the design process and completed product, along with the designer’s portrait.
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Love Irish Crafts is a high quality manufacturer and retailer of quality Irish gifts and Crafts. Based in the heart of St. Patrick’s country in the inspiration setting of Downpatrick, County down you will find their ceramics studio and gift shop specialising in quality Irish made gifts and crafts from local craftspeople as well as big Irish brand names. The company launched its own brand of Irish Inspired Ceramics at Showcase in January 2015 and the response to the initial product range has been fantastic. Every product is individually handcrafted on site using top quality porcelain and talented local craftspeople. Their ceramics come in beautiful branded gift boxes and are ready to hang making them the perfect choice for an authentic quality Irish gift. To stock our ceramics range, keep up to date with new products or to see how we make our ceramics please visit www.loveirishcrafts.com for more information.
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Spirit of Ireland | ID2015
Design duo Hennessy & Byrne are among those selected for the Design Island exhibition joining the ranks of many internationally renowned Irish designers across a range of disciplines such as furniture designer Joseph Walsh, architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, animators Brown Bag Films and fashion designer Helen Steele. “We are very excited to have been included in this exhibition, it is a real honour. The images of our work are on display in Dublin Airport Terminal 2 and have proven a great way to kick start 2015 for our business,” explains Eric Byrne, a second generation Stonemason and designer/maker of the Hennessy & Byrne range, “Indeed this is the first of many events in which we are involved this year as part of ID2015. Some of our products were recently selected by the Design & Craft Council of Ireland for inclusion in an exhibition of homewares by top Irish designers showcased at the recent Maison Et Objets exhibition in Paris which has opened our eyes to the possibilities for our brand overseas.” When Hennessy & Byrne first established their business they aimed to reinvent the perception of Irish stone as merely a construction material. “We wanted to create an appreciation of Irish marble and granite by bringing these materials into homes in the form of beautiful, high quality and functional
pieces” explains Jeanine Hennessy. “We wanted our products to be used, enjoyed and treasured much in the way Italian, French and Spanish marble has been appreciated in mainland Europe for centuries.” It soon became apparent that their work had a strong appeal and within just a few weeks the company were exporting to stockists across the United States and Canada. Four years on and Hennessy & Byrne are now focusing on the international market and this summer will see the launch of a new range of marble tableware inspired by the antiquity of southern Spain and North Africa. “Elegant designs, luxurious materials and superb craftsmanship are at the heart of the new range” explains Eric. President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, who is patron of the ID2015 programme, had the opportunity to catch a preview of some of the new Hennessy & Byrne designs on his visit to Russborough House, Blessington Co Wicklow, on 4th March this year and visitors to Russborough House over the summer will also be able to see the new designs for themselves. Hennessy & Byrne specialize in tableware and giftware handcrafted from Irish stone including Connemara Marble, Kilkenny Limestone and Wicklow Granite.
Elegant designs, luxurious materials and superb craftsmanship are at the heart of the new range
www.hennessyandbyrne.com
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Designed & Made
In Ireland
CRAFT PLAYS A DYNAMIC AND CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LIFE OF IRELAND. THE STRENGTH OF IRISH CRAFT LIES IN ITS USE OF BOTH TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES, IDEAS AND MATERIALS RESULTING IN AWE-INSPIRING WORK.
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Spirit of Ireland | 2015
The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland is the main champion of the design and craft industry in Ireland fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. www.dccoi.ie www.giveirishcraft.com
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Ana faye limited edition leather handbags are handmade in the North West of Ireland out of the finest Italian leather, and are a must have for any woman craving something different. www.anafaye.com
Siopa na bhFíodóirí
Recommended by leading guide books.
The Weavers’ Shop, Dingle, Kerry, Ireland
We make and sell Lisbeth Mulcahy’s exclusive designs in weaving as well as work by other Irish designer/makers | pottery | knitwear | jewellery | candles | leather | prints | cards | toys
T: +353 66 9151688 124
www.lisbethmulcahy.com
Spirit of Ireland | ID2015
THE FABRIC
Of Ireland
L Good design is timeless, elegant and with a hint of sophistication
inen is woven from the Flax plant (Linum Usitatissimum). It is one of the oldest and loveliest textiles known to man. It dates back over 5,000 years and weaving cloth is man’s oldest manufacturing activity.
The flax plant is grown in deep loamy soil and is one of the few plants to have a “true blue” coloured flower. Flax is environmentally friendly. It needs only a short growing period, very little fertiliser and the whole plant can be used. The seeds produce Linseed oil used in painting, French polish and varnishing. Seeds are also edible and flaxseed is a good source of omega 3. On a practical level, jute tape, rope, sacking, and paper are all produced from this fine plant. Historically flax was planted country wide in Ireland and at the setting up of the Irish Linen Board in 1711, prizes were offered to manufacturers of linen. The Board published a list of nearly 60,000 individuals who were growing flax in 1796. Spinning wheels were awarded based on the number of acres planted for example; one acre awarded the planter a spinning wheel, while five acres awarded him a loom. Linen is made from completely natural fibres. The fabric is made from inside the stem or stalk of the plant
and from this it gets its distinctive texture and quality. Linen is very beautiful, delicate in appearance yet hard wearing and it can be passed on from one generation to the next. This quality and generational appeal inspired Agnes Holohan, a designer and craft-worker with a passion for textiles and design. Having studied and worked as an interior designer for many years, it was a natural step for her to design and manufacture her own table top linens. “I have always believed that good design is timeless, elegant and with a hint of sophistication” she says. “My signature collection is exactly that, imbued with a subtle contemporary palette. When designing my collections I consider aesthetics as well as function. Using gorgeous Irish made linens in sublime colours we create beautiful, original pieces.” Inspiration for Agnes H linens comes from nature and from Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and using embroidery threads together with the simple elegant textures and colours of the cloth. Agnes H linens are beautiful and very traditional. All products are handcrafted in Ireland at the workshop in Co Wexford which is a restored farmhouse built in the 1600’s and overlooking the Slaney river. www.AgnesHDesign.ie
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Clare Jordan loves to create and her whimsical, colourful, happy products are sure to make you smile www.clarejordan.com
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IN THE
Bag
Ana Faye is a multi-award winning designer from the north-west of Ireland and a maker of individually crafted purses and bags. Each Ana Faye handbag portrays strong craftsmanship, individual style, exclusivity and understated luxury. Working with the finest materials - Italian leather being favoured - Ana’s designs are outstandingly refined and elegant. Using pure geometric lines juxtaposed with elegant curves, Ana creates a striking, stand-out appearance. All designs are handmade and are limited editions - often only one of each is ever made. All bags are 100% handmade, not designed and made by someone else the other side of the world. There is no mass production here, just exquisite silhouettes and pleasurable elegant lining. www.anafaye.com
BUDDIES
& Wishes
Ogham Wishes and Bog Buddies are two award winning ranges from designer Ethel Kelly and her brothers Vincent & Anthony. Ethel is based in the village of Knockcroghery in County Roscommon where she runs her busy workshop. Ogham writing is Ireland’s ancient script often found inscribed on standing stones and in sacred places in Ireland’s rural landscape. Ogham Wishes are a unique range of hand painted greetings in Irish and English with hand painted calligraphy in the ancient Ogham script.
These unique greetings can be customized with a special name or message. They are utterly charming in their simplicity. Bog Buddies are a fun range made from real Irish bog! The little buddies are beautifully framed in real wood and can be customized with a special greeting or name. Favourites include Bride & Groom, Tying the Knot and Luck of the Irish. This season Bog Buddies have launched their Sacks of Irish Turf range – little sacks with 5 mini sods of Irish turf.
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All Danuna Glass pieces are designed and hand made by Catherine in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Fused glass giftware, jewellery and plates.
Available from your local Irish import store.
www.danunaglass.ie catherine@danunaglass.ie +353-86-8819788
Naoimh Prim is a textile printer based in county Wexford, Ireland. She has a great love of nature and uses this theme throughout her work to create natural, simple prints. Naoimh screen prints by hand on to natural fabrics such as Irish linen and organic cotton jersey to create stylish yet simple pieces, which can be worn effortlessly and are soft next to the skin. Naoimh draws inspiration from her natural surroundings, be it a leaf collected on a nature walk with her children or flowers gathered from the hedgerows near where she lives. Naoimh’s current range includes: scarves, wraps and men’s pocket squares
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Naoimh Prim Hand-Printed Textiles Email: hello@naoimhprim.com Web: www.naoimhprim.com Tel: 00353 87 6367919
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ART
Of Glass
FOR CENTURIES GLASS HAS BEEN VALUED FOR IT’S VISUAL AND TACTILE PROPERTIES. Irish Glass Artist Catherine Wilcoxson graduated from the National College of Art and Design of Ireland, specialising in glass. From the late 1990’s she was privately commissioned to make marble and glass mosaics and her intricate work has been exhibited in Ireland, England, Belgium and Italy. Under the brand name Danuna Glass, Catherine is launching new product lines including glass jewellery (small pieces of wearable art), giftware, kiln-formed decorative glass plates and wall art. Danuna Glass has developed a unique mosaic method to produce intricate designs and patterns in kiln-formed glass. The fused glass mosaic technique is highly complex with each item being made up of dozens, hundreds or thousands of tiny individual cut pieces of glass. All products are designed and handmade by Catherine at her studio in Co. Wicklow. www.danunaglass.ie
Celtic
CRYSTAL
Celtic Crystal has been producing exquisite hand-cut crystal in Moycullen since 1972 featuring designs such as the Claddagh Ring, Celtic knot work, harp design and the simple yet striking wheat pattern. Each piece is a work of art inspired by Irish culture and history, cut freehand from memory by a talented team of local craftsmen. The product range includes stemware and tumblers, vases, giftware, chandeliers, lamps and a stunning range of crystal jewelry. If you are travelling to Connemara don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit one of the few remaining
glass factories in Ireland. Here you can see a range of limited editions and one of a kind masterpieces, each signed and dated on request by the master who crafted it. Visitors can listen to an informative talk on the history of the factory and see a live glass cutting demonstration. Located on route N59 at Moycullen when heading to Clifden or Kylemore. Summer hours are Monday Sunday from April - October 9am-6pm. www.celticcrystalireland.com 129
"All our products are Handmade here in Ireland" Agnes H Design.com | 087/2358699 | www.agneshdesign.ie
Clare has created whimsical and witty designs for almost 10 years. Born and raised in Ireland Clare began designing as a child where she got lots of scolding in school for doodling. She went on to attend the National College of Art and Design and holds a MSC in design. She is inspired by old family photos, her vintage collections and travels. Clare lives in Ireland on a farm and believes in laughing until her cheeks ache, wearing a super cute apron and enjoying life.
T: 353 (0)85 1273819 | W: www.clarejordan.com | E: info@clarejordan.com 130
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Designs on
LEITRIM
THE LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE IS A LONG ESTABLISHED AWARD WINNING RETAIL GALLERY RECENTLY SHORTLISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP TEN BEST GIFT/DESIGN/ INTERIORS SHOPS IN IRELAND BY THE IRISH TIMES READERS 2014.
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he gallery is housed in The Dock Arts Centre in Carrick–on-Shannon and is a landmark tourist attraction in the region attracting substantial visitor numbers into the town. Since its inception in 2000, The Leitrim Design House is firmly recognised as a model of best practice by the Design and Craft Council of Ireland. The stunning retail space presents a contemporary range of individually hand-made items from local and national craft makers. Many of the makers are unique to The Leitrim Design House and produce work specially designed for the gallery. The gallery showcases a distinctive range of Irish made products; fine art, ceramics, glass, prints, metal, wood, jewelry, textiles, paper-craft & unique cards and the selection of work on display is carefully curated with a strong emphasis on quality, design and innovation. Enthusiastic staff exude a passion for what they do in a wonderful retail environment which has a clear narrative and tells the story of both the product and the maker. The space changes every four to eight weeks with visiting makers and artists invited to show their work for a selected period of time. Different
themes are used to highlight individual craft disciplines placing the spotlight on glass, textiles, wood etc. A monthly ART WALL welcomes guest artists giving them an opportunity to launch new collections while ‘Hot spots‘ promotes individual makers and are an opportunity for guest makers to meet and converse with their audience. This centre of excellence has extensive experience in event management and manages a busy schedule of activities. The event calendar offers opportunities for customers to learn about the process involved in the creation of the pieces on show; to meet the makers behind the products; to listen to their stories; to view exclusive designs produced in an environmentally responsible way and to taste the creative process. The gallery also plays host to regular customer evenings; in-store demonstrations and exhibition launches. In 2015 The Leitrim Design House celebrates fifteen years in business and an exciting calendar is in place celebrating Irish Design. If you are visiting the area be sure to pop in and experience the essence of design in a wonderfully congenial environment. www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie
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Failte Ireland Approved Donegal Tweed Center www.trionadesign.com 132
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Woven Into the
FABRIC OF DONEGAL TRIONA DESIGN IS A SMALL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS IN THE PRETTY TOWN OF ARDRAGH, STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE.
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he company pride themselves on keeping the traditional craft of Donegal Tweed alive today producing tweed and tweed garments in-keeping with the traditions and heritage of Donegal.
Ardara is known for its history of handwoven fabrics with many families passing the skill down through the generations. Denis Mulhern is a fifth generation weaver who has grown up with this traditional skill. After spending many years perfecting his craft, it
was a natural progression for Denis to build a business around the way of life he grew up with. Denis set up ‘Triona Design’ just over 30 years ago with his wife Ann and they have since been joined by their two daughters, Catriona and Patricia in the business. The building in which the business is housed today was known locally in the town as ‘the mart.’ It is the building that originally housed weaving in Ardara and in 1985 Denis purchased it from Udaras na Gaeltacht.
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Denis’s business started off with weaving, employing local skilled craft-people to make the cloth and going on to employ a number of girls in the factory downstairs to cut and tailor cloth into tweed garments which are sold exclusively from the shop. Triona Design faced many difficulties over the years, like any growing business, but Denis and Ann put in all the hard work and effort over the years while also raising a young family. Their hard work paid off in 1992 when the business became a Failte Ireland Approved Donegal Tweed Visitors Center. It is now on the itinerary for all the major bus tours passing through this beautiful place.
Design Process During the design process there are many things to be considered such as colors, cloth, styles, designs and the latest trends. Each year new options are considered to create fresh additions to the collections. Denis himself chooses the color schemes and designs for the new cloths, working from ideas in his head and developing
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this onto the warping board creating his vision as he works. Designs are kept authentic by relying on old style handwoven tweed while at the same time creating the latest, up to the minute products which are timeless, classic pieces that will last year after year. You can even see the work being created with a full guided tour covering the history of weaving, seeing where the weavers are working at the looms and spinning wheels and then have a friendly chat with the weavers themselves. The shop stocks a large range of ladies & gents tweed fashions, a huge collection of knitwear, handcrafted Irish jewelry and they also carry a wide range of accessories and gifts.
Irish House
The tradition of handing down skills continues as the
business expands further this year with the opening of a new store by Catriona, Denis’s the eldest daughter, in Donegal Town. The ‘Irish House’ will be based on the same ethos as Triona Design with Donegal tweed at the backbone of the business, creating styles that are classic and timeless, durable and hardwearing while also keeping up to date with the latest trends and fashions. Situated on the Diamond in Donegal town tours will take place allowing visitors to see the looms in action and watch weavers at work. The Irish House will cater for tourists and locals alike, stocking the latest collection of tweed garments for ladies & gents, a range of traditional and trendy knitwear, a collection of handcrafted Irish jewelry as well as a wide choice of gifts and accessories. www.trionadesign.com
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hata Combining innovation with tradition to produce a modern take on the tweed cap. Based in Donegal in the North West of Ireland surrounded by the Wild Atlantic Sea, internationally known for its history working with wool and producing tweeds, where every process involved in producing our tweed products takes place. Using locally spun luxury mohair and the finest merino wool, Hata designs are then custom woven and expertly handcrafted to produce a truly authentic range of headwear with a modern twist.
Visit www.hata.ie 136
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Fresh
From The
LOOM
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE IRISH SPEAKING AREA (GAELTACHT) IN MALINMORE, COUNTY DONEGAL, CARNAWEEN CLOTHING WAS FOUNDED BY DONEGAL TOWN BORN CARMEL WEIR.
B
ringing a fresh new look to a traditional market, Carmel’s attractive tweed and leather garments have been an instant hit with visitors to the factory store. The clothing range includes a wonderful selection of tweed headwear, tweed and leather bags, waistcoats, accessories, tweed ties and even dog coats and picnic blankets. The company concentrates on quality of product and uniqueness of design with a contemporary twist to classic design. Carmel has created a beautiful range of timeless tweed apparel, headwear, leather bags and accessories with the recent addition of a new
range of knitwear for men and women – all ‘handloomed’ in Glencolmcille using the finest pure new wools from Kilcar Yarns in Donegal. Using 100% pure new wools, the tweed is sourced from Ireland, Scotland and England using Donegal, Harris and traditional tweeds from the Outer Hebrides. Still only in its infancy Carnaween Clothing currently employs 8 people at the Malinmore workshop. The range and quality is superb and likely to secure a bright future for Carmel and her team who work tirelessly to secure new markets and bring innovation to timeless classics. www.carnaweenclothing.com
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All Wrapped Up In
CASTLEBLANEY CASTLEBLAYNEY IN COUNTY MONAGHAN TAKES ITS NAME FROM THE BLAYNEY FAMILY WHO ARRIVED IN THE AREA IN 1611.
E
dward Blayney was granted the territory of Muckno in 1607 and he built a castle – the castle of the Blayney family. The Duke of Connaught stayed as a guest, while he was sitting in Parliament in Dublin from
1900 to 1904. The beautiful setting of Lough Muckno and its islands is the setting for Liz Christy Designs. At Swallow Studios, handwoven scarves and stoles are beautifully crafted. These beautiful hand-dyed bouclés wool and fine yarns include Donegal spun tweed and merino wool interwoven with fine cottons and silks. Color and texture inspiration comes from the surrounding lush countryside and from Liz’s favourite artist, Claude Monet. Guaranteed Hand-Woven in Ireland Liz explains,
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“Ours is an age-old craft and our looms are powered only by human energy. Threads pass through our hands many times before our scarves reach the customer. We design and prepare the warp, comb it onto the loom; fill bobbins, weave, knot and wash, all by hand. Colourful wefts, some of which we also hand-dye, are woven into the softest merino or cotton warps, giving a lovely fluid drape to the fabric.” Each scarf is truly a unique work of art. Swallow Studios is also home to LizzyC Sheep, a fun collectable range of colourful handcrafted sheep brooches and key-rings. Ever popular, the flock continues to grow and now includes fridge magnets and hanging ornaments. www.lizchristy.com www.monaghantourism.com
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Walk Into Sarah’s
GALLERY SARAH WALKER’S GALLERY IS A DESTINATION WORTH HEADING FOR.
A
spectacular drive down the Beara peninsula through stunning scenery will take you to the fishing port of Castletownbere. Here you will find a fishing town with restaurants, shops and bars and if you stroll all the way down the pier to the old carriage house which is the gallery, you will come across fresh contemporary Irish art. A mix of the work of local Irish artists, emerging artists and ceramics, print, sculpture and painting from all over Ireland. The day I visit Sarah, it is crisp and cold, sunshine is glinting off the water. As I make my way across the pier, I step over branches of seaweed thrown up from recent storms and pass fishermen mending their nets. The gallery sits in the western corner
of the harbour, a long whitewash and stone building with a slip leading to the door. Sarah located her gallery here in 2003 and transformed the former carriage-house into a modern exhibiting and working space. It’s an eye-catching structure, straddling both shore and sea. At high tide the building appears to be half-immersed in the water with waves lapping the lower walls on three sides. Inside it’s all white, sparse and spacious, a pared back minimalism that contrasts with the rich colours of the paintings. At the far end a glass door opens onto a wooden walkway giving wave-top views across the bay. It’s a fantastic setting, a lovely surprise to find an art gallery in amongst fishing boats on a west Cork pier. www.sarahwalkergallery.com
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Celtic Jewellery Dublin HANDCRAFTED IN DUBLIN
Pendants • Rings • Bracelets • Accessories • Earrings "The individuality of every design springs from the creativity of sculpture"
www.celticjewellerydublin.com
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A LEGACY OF
Love
Paul O’Neill working at the bench, Boru Jewelry
PRIZED BY MEN AND WOMEN ALIKE, CELTIC JEWELRY IS A TREASURE AMONG POSSESSIONS BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTY AND SYMBOLISM.
T
he Celts dominated mid and western Europe for a thousand years. They influenced the cultural, linguistic and artistic development of Europe. They were well educated, particularly on topics such as religion, philosophy, geography and astronomy and their bravery is legendary. Celtic society was typically more equal in terms of gender roles with women being on an equal footing with men – Celtic women were often
accomplished warriors and rulers. So bodily adornment like broaches, pins, necklets and crowns were popular status symbols and these artefacts form the basis for Celtic jewelry today. Silver and gold were used by Celtic craftsmen between 2000 BC to around 550 AD to make jewelry. Celtic symbols were inevitably the subject of the craft and evident in the final products. Ornate, symbolic and enchanting, Celtic jewelry was and still is stunningly beautiful and highly coveted.
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JMH JEWELLERY THE HEARTBEAT OF JMH JEWELLERY HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAMILY; WORKING TOGETHER TO DESIGN AND CRAFT BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF TRADITIONAL CELTIC JEWELRY THAT SPEAK OF THE LOVE AND THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PEOPLE AND THEIR IRISH HERITAGE.
F
ounded in 1973 by Joe and Betty Harbourne - who shortly afterward became husband and wife – JMH is now beginning its 42nd year in business. Eve and Joseph, Joe and Betty’s son and daughter, grew up with a passion for jewellry making and design following their parents footsteps into the family business. JMH now export their jewelry all over the world. Joseph and his sister Eve do most of the designing at JMH and for Joseph, the idea that people are wearing their designs from Tokyo to San Francisco is hugely inspiring. “Our designs focus on our Irish heritage and the central themes that we see time and
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again in folklore and art; themes of family, love and community. The concepts are timeless and evocative. We think that’s what makes JMH jewellery so appealing”. Eve and Joseph are thrilled to be launching their Irish Legends collection this year. As designers it’s something they have wanted to do for a long while. Eve explains, “Ireland’s rich folklore, stories like The Salmon of Knowledge, Tir na nOg, Grainualie; The Pirate Queen and The Children of Lir are stories we grew up with. They are very much a part of the tapestry of Irish life. Creating representations of these stories in Sterling Silver is really exciting for us”.
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As designers Eve and Joseph are often commissioned with one off pieces for events or awards. Joseph explains; “often customers will have a vision of how they want something to be and it’s our job as designers and goldsmiths to translate that into precious metal. Each one of these jobs is different; some are challenging but all are enjoyable!” The quality of their products is something that everyone at JMH guards fiercely. Eve explains: “because we control all aspects of the manufacturing process from design to casting, bench work to polishing, we can control the quality of the product. We are known for
our high standards and we never compromise on that.” There is no doubting the passion and enthusiasm that the Harbourne family have for their craft. As is so traditional in Ireland this family are handing down their love and skills from one generation to the next. Eve and Josephs families are now growing up with that same passion and who knows; one day they too might be the future of JMH Jewellery. For stockists in your area email eve@jmhmanufacturing.com
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Children of Lir, JMH Jewellery
Handmade jewelry inspired by the shape of the 32 Counties of Ireland
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Boru, Tree of life interchangeable pendant Boru, Shamroch Claddagh
A legacy of craft, a lifetime of memories, Boru create exclusive jewelry to wear with pride and pass from one generation to the next.
A Sense of Self
EXPRESSION Throughout history people have worn adornments of one kind or another. From crude cloak fastenings to bejewelled crowns, human kind have always linked jewelry with self-expression. We are sentimental creatures by nature and there is nothing that represents love and commitment more than a fine piece of jewelry. While the materials and techniques used in the manufacturing process has evolved, the essence of crafting something beautiful that has worth beyond its intrinsic value is what drives todays designers in their ancient craft.
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Celtic Desire
™
Silver Jewellery
Stars and Moons tone
celticdesirejewellery by Exoticsilver
GUIDANCE, PROTECTION, INTUITION
Ireland’s Largest Celtic Jewellery Collection
ade Handm with nd in Irela
Love
www.exoticsilver.co.uk
WISH UPON A STAR COLLECTION The star is an ancient symbol of guidance and moonstone is a stone of protection and intuition. This makes the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. Wear them while traveling or on your journey through life. www.wishes.ie
hello@wishes.ie
James Joyce for Men www.jamesjoyceformen.com The “Stepping Stones” Collection represents authority, power, strength and passion.
CUFFLINKS | Hallmarked sterling silver, satin textured finish & 1.5mm black diamond in each cufflink €194.99.
The black diamond sits strong and provides the wearer with inner strength, balance and clarity. A contemporary design of textured pieces this unique style appeals to trendsetters and traditionalists alike. James Joyce Jewellery for Men has been designed and manufactured in Co.Dublin, Ireland.
RING | Hallmarked sterling silver band, satin textured finish, 1.5mm black diamond in the centre. All sizes available. €178.99
MODEL WEARS | Necklace €168.99 Bracelet €159.99 146
BRACELET | The Cross is hallmarked sterling silver, satin textured finish, 1.5mm black diamond in the centre. Genuine leather strap with metal snap. Available in black or brown. €159.99
CROSS & CHAIN | Hallmarked sterling silver, satin textured finish, 1.5mm black diamond in the centre. Complete with a sterling silver chain. Chain is available in all sizes. €168.99
ID2015 | SOLVAR
Solvar is a family owned Irish business with a long history and tradition since their establishment in 1946. In an ever changing market, Solvar strive to design and develop new collections in the finest detail to the highest standard. Marcus Obernik, third generation of Solvar, is head of product design and looks to create innovative unique pieces that still celebrate Ireland’s great heritage. Inspired by the ornate lamp posts that adorn Dublin’s city centre, Solvar sought to design a piece that would represent the beauty while still retaining our unique heritage. Dating back to 1902, these lamp posts are a unique and integral part of Dublin. Look up as you walk through the city you will spot numerous designs, with the most ornate shamrock detailing around Dublin city centre, in fact the further you get out of the city, the fewer shamrocks there are! Crafted in Irish Hallmarked Sterling Silver, this graceful swirl pendant is accented by shamrocks staying true to its inspiration Guaranteed to turn heads in your direction.
Contact details 147
www.shanore.com 148
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BEAN RÍ
Collection
THE BEAN RÍ COLLECTION BY MARTINA HAMILTON WAS NAMED BEST IRISH JEWELRY COLLECTION BY SHOWCASE IRELAND 2015 AND THE DESIGN AND CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND.
M
artina was invited by The National Museum of Ireland to create a range of jewelry which would celebrate the mythical queen warriors of Irish mythology like Morrigan, Scatách, (who trained Cu Chúlaiinn to fight) and Maeve of Connaught. For inspiration she drew on the museum’s extensive display of bronze and Stone Age spear heads, objects which like the formidable women being celebrated, are both beautiful and terrifying.
quality but has a candle flame warmth and eloquence. A simple twist incorporated into the design gives the piece its eye catching depth and scintillation. The natural beauty of the collection, which is handmade in Martina’s Sligo studio, married to its source of inspiration shrouded in the prehistory of a mythical Ireland, makes this collection a choice of particular distinction. It is an embodiment of beauty and strength.
The resulting collection retains a striking spearhead
www.martinahamilton.ie
The collection is available through The National Museum of Ireland and selected jewelry and Irish craft stockists.
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OUT & ABOUT
Ireland’s National Marian Shrine Knock, Co. Mayo
A Place of Welcome, Sanctuary and Sacredness, for all to join together in Prayer and Worship
PILGRIMAGE SEASON ~ 26TH APRIL-11TH OCTOBER 2015 DAILY MASSES~ CONFESSIONS ~ PRAYER GUIDANCE ~ CAFE LE CHEILE YOUTH MINISTRY & T HE HUB ~ COUNSELLING CENTRE
T HE N ATIONAL N OVENA TO O UR L ADY OF K NOCK TAKES PLACE FROM 14TH-22ND AUGUST ~ TWO DAILY CEREMONIES DAILY WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS FROM A RANGE OF GUEST SPEAKERS
VISIT KNOCK SHRINE BOOKSHOP FOR A RANGE OF BOOKS AND SOUVENIRS OR TAKE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF
T: +353 (0) 94 93 88100 E: INFO@KNOCK-SHRINE.IE W: WWW.KNOCKSHRINE.IE
KNOCK SHRINE AT THE AWARD -WINNING KNOCK MUSEUM
F OR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP , LOG ON TO : WWW . KNOCKSHRINE . IE
Irish Celtic Art
Irish Celtic Art Studio have in their unique way achieved what no other has been able to do. “The the resurgence in the age old work of Celtic Art through the highest quality bronze finished hand crafted pieces seen since the beginning of the Celtic age itself”. This range contains a tradition that began in prehistoric times and complex designs of interlacing patterns that were used by by christian scribes in the Book of Kells together with breathtaking presentation packaging they are without a doubt the most competitively priced pieces on the market today all products are handmade and include individual background information.
Multi-award winning design 100% Irish - Handmade on the Is land of Ireland www.irishcelticartstudio.com
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OUT & ABOUT
INCHYDONEY Best Beach
INCHYDONEY BEACH in West Cork has maintained its title as the best beach in the country for the second year running. The ranking, released by TripAdvisor, is based on reviews and puts Derrynane Beach, Co Kerry in second place. The beach hopped up one place from third in last year’s ranking with one reviewer writing, “Carlsberg don’t do beaches but if they did….” Kilmurvey Beach on the Aran Islands makes its first appearance on the list, while Portmarnock Beach in Dublin fell from fourth place to tenth. Kerry has the most beaches featured, with four including Inch Beach and Rossbeigh in the top five.
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OUT & ABOUT
TIME IN A
Bottle
The Rare Auld Time Company is a newly formed company set up by Eugene Mc Quillan and operating in Dublin. The Bottle Clock is made from the original glass beer and spirit bottles. The company specialize in manufacturing glass products for retail, promotional and giftware markets. Rare Auld Time Company use 100% recycled bottles for all products. Their premium product is the bottle clock, which is made using the original Irish glass spirit bottles, beer bottles, and labels. The unique manufacturing process ensures that each bottle clock is authentic and original and 100% handcrafted in Dublin. All of these Irish brands come with a scroll detailing the history of each brewery and also showing which Dublin pub the bottle was sourced from. All clocks can be tailored to your requirements. The company can also turn your special bottle into a clock.
CAFÉ & GALLERY
Cafe - Coffee Shop - Art Gallery
Tel: (051) 325 988 152
One of their Guinness clocks is gracefully hanging in the Kitchen of the Whitehouse which was specially engraved and presented to President Barack Obama for St Patricks Day 2013 on behalf of The People of Ireland. Some new products recently launched: a new framed collection whereby Irish bottle clocks can be mounted into frames together with a scroll of the history of that brewery. The new Heineken Bottle Clock and Irish Rugby Framed collection, The Six Nations, The Four Provinces, Leinster, Connacht, Munster, and Ulster are all made from the original Heineken glass bottle. There is a special framed collection for weddings. Have your champagne bottle from your special day turned into a clock and mounted in a frame together with your wedding photo and both family crests set in a lovely white limed wooden frame. www.therareauldtimecompany.com www.thebottleclock.com
Doolin FOLK FESTIVAL Mick Flannery, Sharon Shannon, Stockton’s Wing and Declan O’Rourke are included in the line-up of music acts for the 2015 Doolin Folk Festival. Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 1970s and 1980s, such as nearby Lisdoonvarna and from Clare’s deep musical roots, the Doolin Folk Festival will again present powerful music in the intimate setting of the Hotel Doolin Marquee from June 12th-14th. One of the key aspects of the festival is that it has the feel of a community with all the right ingredients in place – the right location, beautiful scenery, great restaurants, pubs and attractions, great local support, and the music of course. Day and Weekend Tickets from www.entertainment.ie www.doolinfolkfestival.com
OUT & ABOUT
CATHERINE FULVIO cooks live on NBC Today Show
TV Chef, Food Writer and proprietor of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, Catherine Fulvio cooks live on NBC’s Today Show for St Patrick’s weekend. Catherine is proprietor of the award-winning Ballyknocken House, a cookery school, bed and breakfast and a 350-acre working sheep farm. Catherine’s family have been at Ballyknocken for over a hundred years and with her Irish blood and Italian heart, hospitality and great food are in plentiful supply. www.ballyknocken.com
Celebrate your Special Day with a Celtic Theme Wedding Creating a Celtic Wedding contains valuable information on Irish and Scottish wedding traditions, toasts & blessings, Celtic symbolism and much, much more. Visit your local participating Irish or Scottish shop for your copy of Creating a Celtic Wedding.
For a list of stores, please call the North American Celtic Buyers Association at
1-866-622-2244 or visit www.celticbuyers.com
Pick up a copy at any of the Irish & Celtic shops listed in this issue pages 179-184 153
OUT & ABOUT
l Al her at ble we ita su
VISIT
EAGLES FLYING IRISH RAPTOR RESEARCH CENTER SCIENTIFICALLY MANAGED SANCTUARY FOR
Ballymote, Co. Sligo
phone: 071 - 9189310
BIRDS OF PREY & OWLS
www.eaglesflying.com
in
to ur P i r th st em e d e ie N st r or in th at -W io n es t
Get up-close with Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls. Eagles Flying makes your dreams come true. During our fascinating, entertaining and interactive shows you can learn from scientists about their biology. You have never been that close to Eagles. Experience Eagles swooping only inches over your head or have a raptor landing on your bare arm. Watch the “Bird Whisperers” at work! You will have great photo opportunities with no extra costs. Eagles Flying is Ireland's largest raptor center and home to more than 100 raptors and another 350 birds and animals out of 85 different species. During the 2 hours programme you can avail of the guided tours through the centre, enjoy the one hours bird show and eventually get hands-on with various animals in our supervised Touch-Zoo section.
Opening times: 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 2.30.p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
2 shows daily at 11 a.m. &
2 hours programme:
3 p.m.
Guided tour, Bird Show, Touch-Zoo Picnic Area / Kiosk / free parking 7 Days 1st April - 7th Nov. fully wheelchair-accessible Drive off the N17 at Ballinacarrow - just follow the signs. 154
rain or shine – always a great day out for all the family
OUT & ABOUT
Caravan Converted
into TRADITIONAL
Irish Pub
A
cabinet maker from Galway has converted an old caravan into a traditional Irish pub. The Shebeen comes complete with wooden floors, faux-brick walls, Irish memorabilia and a fully stocked bar. The bar on wheels has space for two draught beers and seats 10. John Walsh, a cabinetmaker came up with the idea as a Friday-afternoon wind-down for his staff. “It started off as a team-building exercise with my guys but then as we were getting clients in, everyone showed great interest in it.” Walsh says he and a friend purchased the 1980s caravan in 2013 to attend the Electric Picnic music festival. Afterwards they couldn’t resell it for a decent price so with a bit of brainstorming peppered with a love of Irish pubs, the Shebeen was born. Walsh spent most of last year fitting the caravan with a new floor, a new slate roof and making and installing interior furniture handcrafted in Irish oak, stained and distressed to recreate a vintage feel. They papered the walls, hung antique pictures, carefully selected memorabilia on the walls, installed a bar,
a cooler and taps for two draft beers and fitted a realistic electric stove. Whitewash effect exterior walls, a bright yellow half-door, window boxes and a high Nelly resting outside complete the effect. John said customers watched the progress of the makeover and were tripping over themselves to borrow it for events. “I knew then we were on to something.” Pretty soon the lads saw the potential to turn the novelty into a business. The caravan has since been part of several weddings, a christening, a 75th birthday party and an IT firm’s Christmas party. Now Walsh is about to deliver one of his mobile pubs to Boston. It will be similar to the original Shebeen except it will have a thatched roof, meaning it will really encapsulate that feeling of Irish tradition. “My main aim is to get six to eight of them built next year and get them overseas to Britain, America, Europe and the likes. It’s a unique product so it should travel well.” A fully-stocked Shebeen costs from €750 to hire for day, €1,500 for a weekend, and from €22,000 to buy. What a brilliant idea – leave it to the Irish! www.theshebeen.com 155
OUT & ABOUT
The WILD ATLANTIC WAY in Pictures This summer landscape photographer and regular contributor to Spirit of Ireland magazine, Stefan Schnebelt will release his first illustrated book dedicated to Ireland‘s Wild Atlantic Way. This stunning photographic journey starts on the Inishowen Peninsula to the very north of Ireland and continues along the western coastline ending with the beautiful fishing village of Kinsale in the south. This illustrated adventure celebrates the rich scenic beauty of Ireland‘s Atlantic coast in full glorious color. Register for updates and release date on the website www.thewildatlanticway.com
Ireland’s National MARIAN SHRINE
For over 135 years people have been making the pilgrimage journey to Knock Shrine in Co. Mayo in the West of Ireland in search of peace, healing and reconciliation. The story of Knock began on a wet evening on the 21st of August, 1879 when fifteen ordinary people from the village of Knock and surrounding areas witnessed a miraculous apparition at the south gable of the parish church, or the ‘old church’ as it is affectionately known by locals. Giving their testimonies, witnesses described a heavenly vision of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist and an altar, cross and lamb surrounded by angels. Today there are many services available at Knock Shrine. Pilgrims can take part in prayer guidance, available each day throughout the pilgrimage season. ‘HUB – Hear, Understand, Believe’ is a summer programme for young people visiting Knock Shrine and includes daily programmes, a kids club and drop-in centre. At Café Le Chéile a range of delicious meals and snacks are available while taking in the beautiful views and gardens at Knock Shrine. Pilgrims leave Knock feeling replenished, renewed and unburdened having spent time at this special and unique place. www.knockshrine.ie 156
OUT & ABOUT
Coca-Cola Zero DUBLINBIKES Scheme Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes is a self-service bike rental system. You can rent a bike from one of the
stations around Dublin’s city centre for a small fee before travelling on to your destination. After your journey is finished you simply return the bike to one of the bike stations located in the vicinity. The stations are located in close proximity to key attractions in the heart of the city. Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the scheme, Dublin City Council recently completed a major expansion of the scheme that doubles the number of original bike stations to 100 and triples the number of bikes to 1,500. The scheme
has exceeded all expectations in terms of uptake and use, and it is generally acknowledged to be one of the most successful bike sharing schemes in the world. Jim Keogan of Dublin City Council said, “We’re delighted with the numbers using the scheme as it’s something people in the city are really enthusiastic about. Tourists are finding that using a dublinbike is a really enjoyable way to experience the city. The Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes scheme has become part of our city life. Today, I just can’t imagine the city without the scheme.”
Emerald LOVE As more and more people choose cremation over burial and the Irish Community overseas grows, Tom & Jim Kinnane have seen a surge of interest in their Irish Heritage Urns. This innovative company embrace the history of Ireland and the tradition of fine craftsmanship with their handcrafted urns, keeping your loved ones close forever.
urns that pays tribute to the family history of your loved one and honours their memory in a very special way”.
The unique design of Irish Heritage Urns is truly magnificent and encapsulates the history of the Irish landscape.
Each urn is crafted from native Irish wood and available in Irish Oak, Irish Beech, Irish Ash, Irish Sycamore or Irish Yew. “All of our timber is native to Ireland and is sourced in forests and woodlands in the Irish countryside. Variation in each urn, such as grain, is part of the creative process and adds to the unique character of your chosen urn”
Each piece is individually handcrafted in Tipperary, Ireland by brothers Tom and Jim Kinnane, master carpenters for more than 20 years. “We utilize the best of Irish heritage design subtly combined with new ideas to produce contemporary but traditional Irish
Referring to their range of keepsake urns “We have been asked to make theses for families who wish to divide ashes” explains Tom, “we’d like to get the message out there that most families who choose cremation don’t have the opportunity to buy a personalised cremation
urn or vessel with most families being offered little choice.” Jim concludes, “We provide families with the opportunity to replace unsuitable caskets with a dignified Irish Heritage Urn, an authentic custom engraved Irish casket made from native Irish timber to honour and memorialise their loved ones.” Optional custom engraving of text and/or traditional Irish symbols is available to personalize your urn at no charge. Irish Heritage Urns ship worldwide. www.irishheritageurns.com
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OUT & ABOUT
Deirdre McCarthy Design Lunchtime ​"Lunchtime" is a painting from the site of her ancestors home as far back as the famine. In a collaboration with Shannonbridge pottery this image was used on a collection of pottery. This range became a huge success which Deirdre followed up with fabric aprons, teatowels etc to match. The fabrics also include an image painted by Deirdre of Kerry sheep. Recently Deirdre painted a plastic pig for the Jack n Jill charity foundation with the lunchtime design. Deirdre now sells her fabrics in all leading craft shops in ireland. New Products New products are coming online including flower shopping bags, cow t-shirts and notebooks. Deirdre's entreprenurial spirit along with her passion for Irish based design is exciting to follow. www.deirdremccarthy.com
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OUT & ABOUT
ROONEY MARA takes a dip Hollywood A-lister Rooney Mara didn’t let the freezing conditions stop her from putting in a star performance at Dublin’s Dollymount Strand. The ‘Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ actress was in Dublin filming her new movie ‘The Secret Scripture’, based on the novel by Sebastian Barry and directed by Jim Sheridan. Mara plays the lead role in the film which sees her character Roseanne McNulty keep a diary of her extended stay at a mental hospital. But it wasn’t all cold dips for Mara, she took a sip of ‘the black stuff’ (Guinness) at the Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin – a far more congenial and enjoyable experience by all accounts!
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Thornton Cottages Thornton Self catering Cottages invite you to visit the unspoilt heart of the Lake County, situated along the waters edge on the banks of the River Erne, with spectacular views of waterways.
The Keepers Arms
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Situated in the Breffni mountanious region of Cavan in Bawnboy and central to the UNESCO Geopark
Thornton Cottages provide self catering holiday accommodation in Cavan, near to Butlersbridge and Belturbet. Thornton Cottages is Tourism Ireland approved and provide comfort and relaxation along with a warm and friendly welcome to all their visitors. Experience the magic for yourself. For bookings or enquiries: Phone: 00353(0)49 - 4334294 Mobile No: 00353(0)86 - 8326861 Email: info@thorntoncottages.ie
Cavan Canoeing Canoe & Kayak Rent al www.cavancanoeing.c om
Glasha Farmhouse
Top of the range quality approved accommodation P: 00353 49 9523318 W: www.keepersarms.com
Kinsale - Deep Sea Angling, Wildlife, Wrecks & Diving Fáilte ar bord HARPY and welcome to Kinsale, Ireland - home of great sea fishing and great food for you, your family, your friends. Great prices too.
An exceptionally elegant 5-star farmhouse in breathtaking County Waterford, guests can relax in sheer decadence at Glasha. A multi award-winning bed and breakfast nestled in the Nire Valley, guests can enjoy king-size beds, spacious rooms, the impressive mountain landscape and delicious home cooked breakfasts & evening meals courtesy of host Olive O’Gorman. Only 3km from the pictorial village of Ballymacarbry, visitors can enjoy excellent angling, scenic walking routes, participate in the annual Comeragh Mountain Walking Festival or take the Comeragh Mountain Drive, which passes through the village. Nearby is the Rock of Cashel & Lismore Castle.
+353(0) 52 613 6108
glasha@eircom.net
Ballymacarbry (via Clonmel) , Ballymacarbry , Co. Waterford
HARPY is a safe, fast, 43', 450 hp, Aquastar deepsea charter angling/dive/survey boat. Book now to avoid disappointment. Large comfortable heated island wheelhouse. Large deckspace. Free WiFi aboard. HARPY has great space for 12 anglers or divers plus equipment. The island wheelhouse means that almost the full 43' length of each side of the boat is available to anglers.
Airport and Ferry pickup & return. All this in one of Ireland's foremost tourist destinations.
www. kinsaleangling. com Mobile: +353 (0)85 - 8631000 Fón +353 (0)21 - 4774946 160
futuristic Fﾃ！LTE A
Get a futuristic fﾃ｡ilte at the new state-of-the-art Tourism Information Centre in Dublin. Located at 25 Suffolk Street, the revamped tourist office combines the high-tech digital delivery of information in a slick new setting. Interactive pods, a social media wall, free WiFi, Apple Macs and touchscreen technology are all to hand for visitors. The design of the new office and its employment of the latest technology is geared to ensure that visitors get the most from their time in the city by fully inspiring and informing them about what Dublin and Ireland have to offer.
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The Belleek Group brings together the rich heritage of three world renowned brands, with beautiful design & craftmanship that will be treasured in homes for many years to come.
Establised in 1857 Belleek Pottery is one Irelands premier visitor attractions. Emmerse yourself in the history of Belleek and take a guided tour in Irelands oldest working pottery, meet and talk with craftspeople as you see them use their skills on this world famous pottery. 162
www.belleek.ie
TIMELESS CLASSICS From Belleek
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WITH A 158 YEAR HERITAGE OF INNOVATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP, THE BELLEEK GROUP HAS REMAINED RELEVANT BY PUTTING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTO HIGH GEAR.
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his historic pottery create tried, true, fresh and new fine quality, hand-crafted gifts, dinnerware and home décor that are a perfect fit for traditional or contemporary homes as well as holiday and special occasion gifts.
Both Belleek and Galway have accelerated investments in the design and development of many excellent new products, new product categories and a sale price collection called “Lucky Finds” that give retail partners compelling promotions. All this, while staying true to founding principles – a formula that is working very well in both Europe and America. Belleek tableware includes an extensive range of dinnerware inspired by Irish themes such as rustic knitting patterns found in “Galway Weave” and the iconic Belleek basket-weave with hand-painted shamrocks found in “Shamrock Tableware”. Both patterns are beautifully crafted and functional for everyday use. This year the addition of the Kitchenware Range oval platters and a beautiful covered dish which fits in nicely with the oversized salt & pepper, mixing bowls and spoon rest brings functional Belleek into the vibrant food preparation market. The “Lucky Finds” category comprises gifts at very sharp sale retails. Retailers can stack these out on feature display tables to drive unit sales throughout the year. Beautiful new Irish Craft Mugs come in sets of 4 and will sell at $39.90, while the sets of 2 Claddagh Mugs and Celtic Mugs, gift-boxed for RRP $19.95 have broken sales records! Belleek Living combines contemporary shapes and unique design elements, such as stylized applied flowers, for 21st century homes. The brand new “Sunflower” collection, appeals to younger couples looking to accent their new homes. Extensive introductions of classic Belleek include many new designs in the world famous hand-crafted Belleek Baskets such as the new Rose Bud Leaf Basket and the Orchard Annual Basket with suggested retails ranging from under $100 - $2900.00. Each year Belleek add new collections in Christmas decorations. This year, over two dozen new ornaments with unique themes and suggested retails starting at just $18 have been introduced. Galway Crystal has introduced new collections of gifts, home décor and drinkware at sale retails. Maintaining fine quality, European-crafted full lead crystal standards that consumers expect from Galway but adding an important new price level to compliment the more traditional Longford and Mystique patterns. The Belleek Group commitment to expand lines with diverse designs and compelling price points allows valued retail partners to enhance their Belleek Group offerings in a way which will engage both existing and new customers. Contact Toll Free: 1.855.212.0547 / Email: SalesNA@Belleek.ie 163
STORE STORIES
nb celtic design The Irish American Ring Since we launched The Irish American Ring two years ago, the ring has gone from strength to strength. Available in both a Ladies & Gents version, (Photograph: Gents) The Irish American Ring is the perfect gift for someone who celebrates both their Irish roots, & their American Heritage. Between the wording on the top of the ring there is a tiny shamrock, the little three leafed plant that is synonymous with Ireland. On the other side, a tiny star, representing the fifty States of America. One side of the ring depicts the Irish Harp – the ancient symbol of Ireland, and the other side of the ring shows the American Bald Eagle, the supreme emblem of the United States of America. The ring is available in Silver, 10k, 14k, 18ct Gold, and Platinum. It is designed and manufactured in Dublin, Ireland. This unique ring tells a fantastic story, and it is available in all the major jewellers in Ireland, and selected Irish -American stores in the US. American Stockists required.
Email: sales@irishamericanjewelry.com Web: www.irishamericanjewelry.com Tel: 00353 1 8392397 | 00353 87 9920110 164
US Design Patent No. D682,138� European Trade Mark Reg. No.002075754-001
STORE STORIES
STORE STORIES Irish Stores all over the USA and Canada open their doors and their hearts to customers every day. Here are some of their stories.
The Tinker’s Cart The Tinker’s Cart has been importing quality Irish goods for over 20 years. It all began in 1986 when John and Janice Hughes wheeled a pushcart chock full of Irish wares into a mall in New Hampshire and the Tinker’s Cart was born. One pushcart turned into two and then three. The pushcarts gave way to kiosks and seasonal stores at a variety of New England malls. Today John’s daughter Cheryl Hughes is continuing the family business in a storefront location in the charming town of Clinton, Massachusetts. As well as
a large array of Irish merchandise the Tinker’s Cart also offers a huge selection of clothing custom embroidered with Irish logos and designs. “We have our own in-house embroidery business and can offer clothing with one of a kind designs as well as custom embroidery”, says Cheryl. In 2010 the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce named the Tinker’s Cart ‘Small Business of the Year’ and in 2012 this marvelous shop was named one of the Irish Echo’s Top 50 Small Irish Businesses. With Cheryl and her dog Lily to greet you, you’ll always find a warm welcome at the Tinker’s Cart!
54 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510 Tel: 978-365-4334 www.tinkerscart.com
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STORE STORIES
All Things Irish All Things Irish in Coeur d’Alene adds a rich Celtic influence to numerous downtown events and activities. In addition to hosting live music and Celtic artists, owner Ilene Moss organizes the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Coeur d’Alene. The store also celebrates ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day’ on September 17th with live music, refreshments and promotional sales. The store’s expansive on-line store allows users to browse and search the inventory of unique Irish gifts and Celtic treasures for all occasions. The store imports the finest products Ireland has to offer and Ilene and the staff make regular buying trips to Ireland to provide customers oneof-a-kind items that cannot be found anywhere else. All Things Irish abounds with gifts for every occasion selected for their quality and appeal. The store opened in 1998 at 315 Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene and expanded to twice its size in 2007. Authentic Irish wedding rings, Scottish kilts, capes, Irish hats, Heraldry items, Irish Claddagh rings, Belleek China and more from the most popular Irish and Celtic brands are available. The store ships in the US and globally to a wide variety of customers. Built on the latest e-commerce technology, the online store is a fast and secure way to shop for all the things Ireland has to offer. If you can’t find what you are looking for, just let them know and they will track it down for you. Open seven days a week All Things Irish is closed only on New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
315 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 www.all-thingsirish.com
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STORE STORIES
We design and handcraft bespoke interior and exterior metal art decor from one of the oldest metals on earth. KT Metal Design’s bespoke metal art & sculptures are designed and handcrafted in Ireland. As each piece is crafted by hand it has an individuality and identity which cannot be found in mass produced goods.
to detail is always guaranteed. We exceed customer expectations in the quality of our handcrafted products and customer interaction. KT Metal Design accepts commissions, so to turn your dream piece into a reality, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
Traditionally handcrafted and handmade ensures attention
Website: www.ktmetaldesign.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/KT Metal Design | Twitter: @ktmetaldesign Contact Number: 00 353 (0) 86 8377134 168
STORE STORIES
Bridget’s Irish Cottage Bridget’s Irish Cottage was established in 1987 by Dubliner Bridget Lawn. Today Bridget runs the shop with the help of her daughter Denise who is equally passionate about bringing the best of Irish and Celtic merchandise to their customers. Bridget’s Irish Cottage, Westfield, N.J. www.bridgets.com
What began as a shop in a small cottage in Martinsville, NJ is now a thriving and delightful store in Westfield, NJ. The store features a large selection of fine jewelry, religious items, Waterford Crystal,
Belleek China, Aran sweaters, Irish music, adult and children’s clothing, imported food and candy. All this wrapped up in the charming Irish spirit! Bridget and Denise produce many of their own products making the store truly unique. “The next time you are in our area please stop in” says Bridget. “With our music playing and customers dancing Bridget’s is a fun place to visit and enjoy the Irish homeland experience”.
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STORE STORIES
Athena Knitwear
Traditional Irish Aran Handknitwear
Family Owned Company Specialiasing in Traditional and Designer Styles/Patterns
International Delivery inc. US and Japan Customer Requirements Accommodated
Athena Knitwear Ballymakeera, Co. Cork, IRELAND 170
| Tel: +353 26 45403 | info@athenaknitwear.com
STORE STORIES
The Irish Shop The Irish Shop in Oak Park Illinois has been serving the greater Chicago area’s Irish community since 1991. Belfast native Anne August emigrated from Ireland to the United States on February 5 1968. She met her husband Jim in 1973 at a local establishment catering to ex-patriots where they both worked. Anne’s dream of owning a boutique was realized when she and her husband opened The Irish Shop on February 11, 1991 enabling her to showcase the wonderful products sourced from her native Ireland. Their daughter Meaghan, the youngest of four, co-manages the shop. This family run business is considered one of the Premier Irish and Celtic stores in North America. At The Irish Shop you can truly find the best the Emerald Isle has to offer. Every item is personally selected by Anne and Jim to provide their
customers with a unique shopping experience with an Irish accent. In this 3000 sq ft store you will find, Belleek Parian China, Waterford Crystal, apparel for men, women and children, christening, Celtic and Claddagh jewelry, wedding and engagement bands, food items, music, books and much more. The online store www.theirishshshop-online.com provides the same great customer service along with the convenience of shopping at home. Jim & Anne are recipients of the prestigious Celtic Warrior Award from the North American Celtic Trade Association. This award is presented to outstanding merchants in recognition of active participation in the Celtic market thereby supporting and promoting Celtic heritage in their community, in North America and in the Celtic Nations.
100 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 Tel: 708-445-1149 www.theirishshop-online.com
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Sheehan’s Irish Imports Sheehan’s Irish Imports celebrates 30 years in business and Katy Sheehan Morris tells us the Sheehan story: “In the summer of 1985, my husband, John Morris and I hauled large bags of Irish knit sweaters through Shannon Airport en route to Kansas City, Missouri. Newlyweds, we were on our honeymoon in Ireland & had just visited the McGlinchey & Gallagher families in Donegal. On an errand for my mother Peggy Sheehan we met up with cousins of a friend from St. Louis, Missouri, Kitty Bruns. Could you sell Irish sweaters in Kansas City? Kitty had asked my mom a couple of months before. Could we what! Actively involved in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, mom, my sister, Molly & I soon were busy selling Irish wares at all the local events. Little did we know that this would soon become a family affair on a grand scale”. Sheehan’s Irish Imports was established later that summer of 1985. Selling out of her home and at local craft fairs, Peggy began to build up a customer base with a genuine interest in all things Irish. “Our first retail location was in the Westport Mercantile Company in midtown Kansas City, where we shared a space with mom’s friend & fellow businessman, John Perucca of Pryde’s of Old Westport. This was in1987 so Molly and I took the reins early on as mom finished out her career with the Department of Agriculture”. In less than two years, Sheehan’s had outgrown its corner space and moved farther west into its current home at 1412 Westport Road in 1989. What began there as a single room expanded into 8 rooms and over 4000 square feet of quality Irish merchandise and attracted customers from all over the Midwest. The final expansion occurred in 2002 with the taking over of the hair salon next door adding offices and a large stock room to the growing business. In 2010, Peggy Sheehan retired after 25 years of selling Irish goods in Kansas City. “My sister Molly and I continue to run the store, carrying on her legacy for all to embrace their Irish heritage. On January 23, 2015, thirty years after she established Sheehan’s Irish Imports, mom passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Over her years in business she made countless friends in Ireland and in the Irish community in North America. She will be dearly missed”. Katy concludes, “To the many loyal Sheehan’s employees and customers that have come and gone over these past 30 years we say thanks - here’s to 30 more!”
1412 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
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Things Celtic
1806 West 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703 1-888-921-9529 www.thingsceltic.com
Things Celtic has been serving the Celtic community of central Texas since 1997 and features some of the finest Celtic products from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Celtic artists in the United States. Things Celtic began as a part time venture for Lanora Davidson and her husband. They sold original art pieces, as well as a limited amount of Celtic jewelry at local festivals and street fairs in Austin, TX. In 1999, Things Celtic moved into a small store space in central Austin. The stock soon expanded to include more jewelry, music, gift items and clothing. After a flood nearly devastated the store in November of 2001, Lanora began a search for a new location. By March of 2003, Things Celtic moved into the current location with better parking and an outdoor space that is perfect for small events. With over 3.5 million people in Texas claiming Celtic heritage,
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the store has quickly grown in popularity. The staff at Things Celtic enjoy helping customers find information about their family name, ancestral home or Scottish tartans. Additionally Things Celtic regularly hosts Celtic song sessions and Irish-Gaelic language lessons. Several times a year you can find live concerts by Texas Celtic musicians being performed on the garden stage. Things Celtic has become a destination for those who wish to emphasize their Celtic heritage on their wedding day. From authentic Scottish kilts for the groom and groomsmen, to beautiful knot-work wedding rings from Scotland and Ireland, Things Celtic is happy to help couples make their day unique and memorable. If one is looking for something as simple as a box of Irish Breakfast Tea, a fun t-shirt, or the perfect wedding rings or house warming gift, Things Celtic is happy to spread the Celtic style across Texas!
STORE STORIES
A Gift For All Reasons
Counties of Ireland Jewellery create hand-crafted jewellery and gifts made in Ireland. Each piece represents the place, the heritage, the memories and the culture of the 32 Counties of Ireland. We recommend these pieces as they are popular keepsakes that give a strong sense of memory.
For Further Information Please Visit Our Website Counties of Ireland Jewellery Grellagh, Castlegal, Co. Sligo.
www.countiesofirelandjewellery.com
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www.shanore.com 176
STORE STORIES
Irish Traditions Irish Traditions is Maryland’s premier importer of fine jewelry, clothing, home accessories, food and gifts from Ireland and Scotland, with two locations on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Their products are of the highest quality and reflect the rich heritage of the Celts. Besides offering an endless variety of jewelry, knitwear, Highland apparel and gifts, Irish Traditions provides guidance on incorporating your Irish or Scottish heritage into life’s celebrations including baptisms, first communions, weddings and holidays. Kilts and other tartan wear are available for purchase or for rental. For those who want to experience Ireland first hand, they offer travel arrangements for independent or escorted trips to Ireland & Scotland, including a custom designed escorted tour of Ireland annually. Stop by in person or on line and discover all the best of the Emerald Isle. Proprietor Margaret Barry McLemore opened her first shop in 2005 on Maryland’s Eastern shore. Five years later, an expansion to Annapolis, the state capital and home of the United States Naval Academy, seemed only natural. After all, St. Brendan the Navigator from County Kerry discovered America long before Columbus. St Brendan sailed across the Atlantic in a traditional Irish fishing boat – the currach. The Annapolis Irish Rowing club, dedicated to promoting Ireland’s nautical heritage,
competes in currach races throughout the U.S. and hosts the St. Brendan’s Cup regatta in September each year. Visitors to Annapolis can watch the team practice evenings and weekends from April to October. Margaret’s father is also a native of County Kerry, and can frequently be found in the shop telling stories about St. Brendan and other sons of Erin, including Commodore John Barry (no relation), from Wexford, the First Flag Officer and Father of the U.S. Navy. Visitors to the Academy enter through the Barry gate onto Barry plaza, where a new memorial to the Commodore will soon be installed. Barry received Commission Number One from George Washington for his service to his adopted country during the Revolutionary War. Joanie Martin is the manager of the Annapolis store. Originally from County Wicklow, Joanie continues Ireland’s equestrian heritage on this side of the Atlantic as an active member of a local fox hunting club. Annapolis has historic connections to Scotland as well as Ireland. Named for Queen Anne, the last monarch of the House of Stuart, Annapoolis commemorates it’s Scottish connection with a thistle on the City flag and Seal.
Irish Traditions 35 N Harrison St, Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-819-3663 & 141-143 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-990-4747
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RynharT IRELAND’S LEGACY IN BRONZE
ynhart Fine-Art Bronze Gifts. Visitors welcome. R 100% Hand Made in Ireland since 1981 in Ireland’s most picturesque valley
Coomarkane, Glengarriff, Co. Cork
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Celtic Treasures 4240 Old Seward Hwy #2, Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: 907-333-2358 Website:
www.celtictreasuresak.com Contact: Lisa Caress-Beu
ARIZONA Mystical Mporium 3415 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85053 Tel: 602-298-1122 Website:
www.mysticalmporium.com
Contact: Monika Fischer
Flanagan’s Celtic Corner 2719 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716 Tel: 520-623-9922 Website: www. flanaganscelticcorner.com Contact: John Flanagan CALIFORNIA The Celtic Knot 28 Main Street, Jackson, CA 95642 Tel: 209-223-5830 Contact: Ron Busch Celtic Shoppe 354 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 Tel: 408-379-7474
Irish shop owners received a special welcome from Mayor of Drogheda, Kevin Callan O’Ireland 575 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Tel: 760-720-1500 Email: oirelandca@aol.com Contact: Tony Cross
www.celticshoppe.com Ciara’s Irish Shop 334 Second Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Tel: 707-443-0102 Email: irishshopeureka@msn.com Contact: CC O’Brien-Cree
Irish Treasures 923 Azalea Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963 Tel: 772-492-0523
DELAWARE
IDAHO
Fenwick Float’ors 35034 Buoy Blvd, Selbyville, DE 19975 Tel: 302-436-5953
All Things Irish 315 E Sherman Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Tel: 208-667-0131
Website:
Website:
www.fenwickfloators.com Contact: Jason, Tina & Hughie McBride
Contact: Ilene Moss
Website:
www.shopirishtreasures.com Contact: Betty Cochrane
COLORADO The Emporium 1620 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Tel: 303-567-1151 Email:
emporiumcolorado@ yahoo.com Contact: Mary Ann Dalpes
Website: Contact: Cathy Cavagnaro
O’Reilly’s Irish Gifts 248 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 Tel: 860-677-6958 Website: www.gotirish.com Contact: Sergio & Luana Berardelli
STORE DIRECTORY
ALASKA
Kerreen O’Connor’s Irish Shop 2595 West Alamo Avenue, Littleton, CO 80120 Tel: 303-794-6388 Website: www.kerreen.com Contact: Heather Benedict
FLORIDA Celtic Shop of Dunedin 354 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698 Tel: 727-733-2200
www.all-thingsirish.com The Kilted Viking 1261 North Main, Pocatello, ID 83204 Tel: 208-380-0218 Email:
thekiltedvikingshop@gmail.com Contact: John Bybee
Website:
CONNECTICUT
www.celticshopdundedin.com
ILLINOIS
Contact: Lynn Thorn
Claddagh Gifts 219 East Blithedale Ave, Suite 2, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Tel: 415-388-2625
Irish Eyes 8A Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355 Tel: 860-536-9960
The Irish Shop 818 East New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901 Tel: 321-723-0122
Email:
Website:
Website:
claddaghgifts@comcast.net Contact: Mary Ann King
www.irisheyesmystic.com Contact: Donna Gorman
Contact: Jaqueline De Poli
www.the-irish-shop.com
Gaelic Imports 6346 West Gunnison, Chicago, IL 60630 Tel: 773-792-1905 Website: www.gaelicimportschicago.com Contact: Mary Ann Jones & Suzanne Dunne
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Store Directory | NACTA
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
Hughie & Tina McBride, owners of Fenwick Float’Ors, Selbyville, Delaware enjoyed a winter trip to Kylemore Abbey, Co. Mayo.
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:
www.irishboutique.com Contact: Patrick Barry Irish Connoisseur 1232 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL 60025 Tel: 847-998-1988 Website: www.irishirish.com Contact: Megan Quinlisk Van Treek Irish Imports Teahans 600 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: 773-427-7763 Website:
www.irishimportschicago.com Contact: Mary Rose Teahan
The Irish Shop 100 N Oakpark Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 Tel: 708-445-1149 Website:
www.theirishshopoakpark.com Contact: Jim & Anne August
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 Website:
Molly’s Celtic Center 931 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204 Tel: 502-459-9888
www.shamrockjeweler.com
Website:
Contact: Michael & Judy Siegert
Paddy’s On The Square 228 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, IL 60047 Tel: 847-634-0339 Website:
St Pat’s Association & Irish Gift Shop 1001 South Broadway, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 Tel: 712-852-4326
www.irishboutique.com
Website:
Contact: John Barry
South Side Irish Imports 3446 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60655 Tel: 773-881-8585 Email: irish3446@gmail.com Contact: Linda & Ron Gorman 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 A Celtic Tradition 7672 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, IA 50324 Tel: 515-278-8302 Website: www.2celts.com Contact: Kris & Garry Knapp
MAINE
www.emmetsburgirishgifts.com
Celtic Moon Rising 272 State Street, Brewer, ME 04412 Tel: 207-989-9699
Contact: Billie Jo Hoffman
Website:
KENTUCKY
Contact: Lorie Garnett
Celtic Trends 140 E Main St, Midway, KY 40347 Tel: 859-846-4966 Website: www.celtictrends.com Contact: Clare McCarthy
MARYLAND
www.celticmoonrising.com
Irish Traditions 35 North Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-819-3663 Website:
Failte Irish Import Shop 113 South Upper Street, Lexington, KY 40507 Tel: 859-381-1498 Website: www.failteimports.com Contact: Liza Hendley Irish Sea Celtic Shop 117 Bridge Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 Tel: 502-223-9946 Website:
www.IrishSeaCeltic.com Contact: Bill Leroy 180
www.mollyscelticcenter.com Contact: Sandy Nedrow
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
MASSACHUSSETS
Website:
www.bridgetsirish.com Contact: Bridget Daly Irish Specialty Shoppe Inc 158 President Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720-2638 Tel: 508-678-4096 Website:
www.irishspecialtyshoppe.com Contact: Joseph Reilly
The Tinker’s Cart 54 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510 Tel: 978-365-4334 Website: www.tinkerscart.com Contact: Cheryl Hughes Wexford House Irish Imports 9 Crescent St, West Boylston, MA 01583-1309 Tel: 508-835-6677
County Emmet Celtic Shop 221 E. Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770 Tel: 231-753-2027
MICHIGAN Always Irish 37560 W. 6 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152 Tel: 734-462-7200
The Celtic Path 214 E Main Street, Hubbardston, MI 48845 Tel: 989-981-6066
Celtic Seasons 301 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417 Tel: 269-668-8069 Email: eboyle54@gmail.com Contact: Eileen Boyle Chlebana
Website:
www.sheehansirish.com Contact: Katy Sheehan Morris & Molly Sheehan Corkill
www.crossandshamrock.com Contact: Ann, Len & Tim Bauersachs Emerald Gifts 137 Parsippany Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Tel: 973-884-3241
www.countyemmet.com
Website:
Sullivan’s Irish Alley Inc 104 East Main Street, Flushing, MI 48433 Tel: 810-487-2473
Contact: Karen Heitzman
www.thistleandclover.com & Jim Stack NEW HAMPSHIRE
Website:
www.SullivansIrishAlley.com Contact: Caron & Ed Sullivan
The Twisted Shamrock 3074 12 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072 Tel: 248-544-4170 Website:
Baile McBreen Gift Shop 107-C North Main Street, Troy, NH 03465 Tel: 603-242-7707 Email:
bailemcbreensgiftshop@ myfairpoint.net Contact: Elsie Breen
www.thetwistedchamrock.com Contact: Jim Monahan
& Kathy Sladick MISSOURI
Celtic Crossing 112 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Tel: 603-436-0200 Website:
Brownes Irish Market Inc 3300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64111-2724 Tel: 816-561-0030
www.celticcrossing.com Contact: Debra Codd
NEW JERSEY
Website:
www.BrownesIrishMarket.com Contact: Kerry Browne
The Celtic Ranch 404 Main Street, Weston, MO 64098 Tel: 816-640-2881 Website: www.celticranch.com Contact: Terry Kast
Email:
thecelticpath.pb@gmail.com Contact: Patricia Baese
Website:
Contact: Ed & Linda Karmann
Website:
Email:
alwaysirish@aceweb.com Contact: Judy & Dean Valovich
The Cross & Shamrock 1669 Route 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Tel: 609-586-9696
Thistle and Clover LLC 407 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 Tel: 636-946-2449
Website:
www.wexfordhouse.com Contact: Dorothy Trow
Sheehan’s Irish Imports 1412 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111 Tel: 816-561-4480
Kerry Cottage Ltd 2119 S. Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63117 Tel: 314-647-0166 Website:
www.kerrycottage.com Contact: Maura Lawlor
Email:
edhansberry69@gmail.com Contact: Edward Hansberry Faith & Begorra 40 Broadway, Denville, NJ 07834 Tel: 973-625-0070 Website:
www.faithandbegorra.com Contact: Susan Banks Irish Centre 1120 Third Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762 Tel: 732-449-6650 Website: www.njirish.com Contact: Moya Rushe Kellys A Touch of Ireland 5 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 Tel: 856-589-4988 Email: info@ atouchofireland.comcastbiz.net Contact: Judy Miller
All Irish 401 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204 Tel: 609-884-4484 Email: allirishimports@ gmail.com Contact: Jeanne & Joe Fahy
O’Ireland 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Tel: 732-747-4433 Email: oireland@msn.com Contact: Paul Savoi
Ballyhugh Irish Imports 235 White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106 Tel: 856-546-0946
O’Ireland 130 North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ 08879 Tel: 732-525-0515 Website: www.oireland.com Contact: Rosanne Savoi
Email:
info@ballyhughshop.com Contact: Fran Siefert Bridget’s Irish Cottage Inc 15 E Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 Tel: 908-789-0909 Website: www.bridgets.com Contact: Bridget Lawn
STORE DIRECTORY
Bridget’s - An Irish Tradition 88 West Main Street, Norton, MA 02766 Tel: 508-285-9700
Colleen’s Gaelic Gifts, Inc. 15373 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 Tel: 734-513-2107 Email: gaelicgifts@aol.com Contact: Colleen Haggerty
Out of Ireland Store #22, 3 New York Road, Historic Smithville, NJ 08205 Tel: 609-748-6707 Website:
www.shopoutofireland.com Contact: Kathleen O’Gara
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Store Directory | NACTA
Moya & Aidan Rushe, owners of the Irish Centre, Spring Lake, NJ pictured with their children Ciara & Liam Pipeline Celtic Themes 128 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 Tel: 973-839-4761
Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Tel: 518-583-9452
Irish Import Shop 2590 Ridge Road West, Rochester, NY 14626 Tel: 585-225-1050
Manor Irish Gift Shop 70 Covert Avenue, Stewart Manor, NY 11530 Tel: 516-328-8975
Website:
Website:
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Website:
www.celticthemesusa.com Contact: Gerald Rooney
www.celtictreasures.com Contact: Paul O’Donnell
www.irishandcelticimports.com Contact: Patricia Lloyd
Contact: Richie O’Shea
The Pipers Cove 212 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 07032 Tel: 201-998-3695 Website: www.piperscove.com Contact: John & Joan Nisbet
The Danu Gallery 39 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965 Tel: 845-735-4477
The Irish Store 5 Jordan Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Tel: 315-685-6230
McNerney’s Irish Imports 4545 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 Tel: 716-870-0033
Website:
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www.thedanugallery.com Contact: Isabel & Audrey Haley
www.theirishstoreinc.com Contact: Roy Floyd
www.mcnerneysirishimports.com Contact: Michael McNerney
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
Guaranteed Irish 2220 Route 145, East Durham, NY 12423 Tel: 518-634-2392
Website:
Molly Malone’s Irish Gifts 295 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 Tel: 518-668-3363
Email:
www.lennonsirishshop.com
Website:
guaranteedirish145@ yahoo.com Contact: Donal Gallagher
Contact: Mary Ann
www.mollymalonesirishgifts.com Contact: Bill & Emily Manion
Irish Crossroads Ltd 18 Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782 Tel: 631-569-5464 Website:
www.irishcrossroadsonline.com Contact: Kathleen Quinn
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Lennon’s Irish Shop 164 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 Tel: 518-377-0064
www.manoririshgiftshoppe.com
& Dale May Little Shop of Shamrocks 173 Islip Avenue, Islip, NY 11751 Tel: 631-224-4311 Website:
www.littleshopofshamrocks.com Contact: Linda Low
Tara Gift Shoppe 250 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220 Tel: 716-825-6700 Website:
www.taragiftshoppe.com Contact: Mary Heneghan
Irish Crossroads & Gift Shop 38015 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094 Tel: 440-954-9032
Celtic Culture 137 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 Tel: 724-238-2420
Thistle and Pine 7570 Rt 119 Hwy N., Marion Center, PA 15759 Tel: 724-397-2442
Website:
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www.tipperarytrading.com Contact: Tom McGrath
www.irishcrossroadsohio.com Contact: Michelle Morgan
www.celticcultureonline.com Contact: Andrew Carr
Contact: Teresa Perry
The Celtic Rose Peddlers Village Courtyard Store 14, Lahaska, PA 18931 Tel: 215-794-5882
Tipperary West Irish Imports 3026 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16508 Tel: 814-459-5797
Website:
Website:
www.thecelticrose.com Contact: Marilyn Mellon
Contact: Jeff Hardner
Walker Celtic Jewelry 140 Packets Landing, Fairport, NY 14550 Tel: 585-271-4510 Website: www.celtarts.com Contact: Stephen Walker NORTH CAROLINA
OREGON Bridie’s Irish Faire 715 NW 3rd St (Nye Beach), Newport, OR 97365 Tel: 541-574-9366 Website:
Sinead’s Cottage 2038 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28401 Tel: 910-763-7056 Website:
www.sineadscottage.com Contact: Cathy Lynch OHIO Casey’s Irish Imports Inc 19626 Center Ridge Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116 Tel: 440-333-8383 Website:
www.bridiesirishfaire.com Contact: Susan Spencer Celtic Stag 319 SW Pine Street, Portland, OR 97204 Tel: 971-269-9055 Website: www. celticstag.com Contact: Chad O’Lynn & Doug Deane
www.tipperarywest.com
Donegal Square 534 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 Tel: 610-866-3244 Website: www.donegal.com Contact: Neville Gardner & Marie Barry
Tullycross Inc 110 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Tel: 215-925-1995
Giggles Gifts 7400 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136 Tel: 215-624-8311
USA Kilts 3389 Schuylkill Road (Rt. 724), Spring City, PA 19475 Tel: 610-948-4110 Website: www.usakilts.com Contact: Rocky Roeger
Website:
PENNSYLVANIA
www.thistleandpine.com
www.gigglesgifts.com
Website:
www.tullycross.com Contact: Meg Turner
Contact: Rosemary
A Lit’le Irish Too 9 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Tel: 717-334-6609
Veneziale
TENNESSEE
www.alittleirishtoo.com
Irish Design Center 303 South Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Tel: 412-682-6125
Contact: Tory Warren
Website:
The Celtic Cup Coffee House 106 North Anderson Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388 Tel: 931-563-7733
www.irishdesigncenter.com
Website:
Contact: Paul Carey
Website:
Celt-Iberia Traders 52 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938 Tel: 215-862-4922
www.gaelicimports.com
Website:
Contact: Sue &
www.celtiberiatraders.com Contact: Michael Burns & Richard Cordover
www.caseysirishimports.com Contact: Kathleen Casey
Proctor & Maureen Casey Brubaker Gaelic Imports 5633 Pearl Road, Parma, OH 44129 Tel: 440-845-0100
Jim Henderson Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland 75 South High Street, Dublin, OH 43017-2154 Tel: 614-889-9615 Website: www. hapennybridgeimports.com Contact: Anne & Al Gleine
STORE DIRECTORY
Tipperary Celtic Jeweler - Irish Importer 3956 NY 2 - Brunswick Road, Troy, NY 12180 Tel: 518-279-8272
Website:
The Celtic Cross 729 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Tel: 412-306-1890 Website:
www.celticcross1.com Contact: Thomas Macik
www.thecelticcup.com Contact: Denise &
Oxford Hall Celtic Shoppe 233 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070 Tel: 717-774-8789
Huland Smith
Website:
Celtic Heritage 634 Parkway, The Village #26, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Tel: 865-436-2588
www.oxfordhall.com
Website:
Contact: Cindy &
www.celticheritage.net
Steve Washburn
Contact: Lisa Henline
St Brendan’s Crossing 125 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Tel: 412-471-0700
TEXAS
Website:
www.stbrendanscrossing.com Contact: Eileen Manning
Things Celtic 1806 West 35th St, Austin, TX 78703 Tel: 512-472-2358 Website:
www.thingsceltic.com Contact: Lanora Davidson
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Store Directory | NACTA Celtic Creations 208-123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7 Tel: 604-903-8704
VIRGINIA Celtic 2 411 1/2 Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 Tel: 540-862-0499 Website: www.celtictides.com Contact: Mary Jo & John Morman
Website:
www.celticcreations.net Contact: Helen Richie
Clans, Celts & Clover 1-1005 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1C1 Tel: 306-382-4443
Celtic Tides 19 W Nelson St, Lexington, VA 24450 Tel: 540-464-6545 Website: www.celtictides.com Contact: Mary Jo & John Morman The Irish Collection / Clifton Gallery 125 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125 Tel: 703- 492-9383 Website: www.irishco.com Contact: Ellen Jones Irish Eyes of Virginia 725 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Tel: 540-373-0703 Website:
www.irisheyesofva.com Contact: Bernadette & Mike Esler
Website:
www.clansceltsandclover.com Contact: Ann Lepage
Steve & Barb Hand, Legends of the Celts with their Celtic Warrior Award
Pixie Treasures Celtic Shoppe 829 Lynnhaven Pkwy, #106, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Tel: 757-961-7494 Website:
www.pixietreasures.com Contact: Jeanne & Bob Rider
The Scoti 35 Main Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 Tel: 540-351-0309 Website: www.thescoti.com Contact: David McCrabb
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Website:
www.plaidplace.com Scotland House Ltd 430 Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Tel: 757-229-7800 Contact: George Grattan
WISCONSIN
Contact: Lisa Risley
Legends of the Celts 10556 Main Street, Hayward, WI 54843 Tel: 715-634-0901
WASHINGTON
Website:
The Scottish & Irish Store East 1713 St. Laurent Blvd (at Innes), Ottawa, ON K1G 3V4 Tel: 613-739-3393
www.legendsofthecelts.com
Website:
Galway Bay Trading Company 880 Point Brown Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 Tel: 360-289-2300
Contact: Steve & Barb Hand
www.scottishandirishstore.com Contact: Michael Cox
www.galwaybayirishpub.com
O’Meara’s Irish House LLC 3970 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212 Tel: 920-868-3528
Contact: William Gibbons
Website:
The Scottish & Irish Store West 2194 Robertson Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 9J5 Tel: 613.829.2251
www.omearasirish.com
Website:
Galway Traders 7518 15th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117 Tel: 206-784-9343
Contact: Megan O’Meara
Website:
The Irish Walk 415 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-548-0118 Website: www.irishwalk.com Contact: Patty Theobald
The Plaid Place 1903 Barrington St., Halifax, NS B3J 3L7 Tel: 902-429-6872
Website:
www.galwaytraders.com Contact: Eveline Murray
Wandering Angus 929 Water St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Tel: 360-385-3317 Website:
www.wanderingangus.com Contact: Tracy Williamson
CANADA A Bit of Home C10 - 925 Rathburn Road East, Mississauga, ON L4W 4C3 Tel: 905-804-1731 Website: www.abitofhome.ca Contact: Henry & Geraldine Porsch
www.scottishandirishstore.com Contact: Michael Cox
The Scottish Shoppe & A Little Bit of Ireland 1206 - 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2T 0B8 Tel: 403-264-6383 Website:
www.scottishshoppe.net Contact: Jim Osborne
British Isles Shoppe 235 Bayly St W, Ajax, Ontario L1S 3K3 Tel: 905-686-1414
The Wee Tartan Shop 177 Queen Street, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B8 Tel: 905-985-6573
Website:
Website:
www.britishislesshoppe.com Contact: Robert Paterson
Contact: Stewart Bennett
www.weetartanshop.ca