Enterprise Spring 2019

YOUR GUIDE TO | RESTAURANTS | HOTELS | ATTRACTIONS | SPORT | MUSIC

ENTERPRISE

LINKING DUBLIN AND BELFAST Volume 16:01

R IS I N G S TAR

JORDAN LARMOUR

O N I R E L A N D ’S M A SS I V E RU G BY Y E AR

SAOIRSE RONAN QUEEN OF ALL SHE SURVEYS

PICTURE THIS

ON BREAKING RECORDS & TOPPING THE CHARTS

DYLAN McGRATH

THE CELEBRITY CHEF STIRS IT UP

M A G G I E R O G E R S + D A L L A S T R AV E L G U I D E + F R A N K M I T C H E L L

DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

Midweek Breaks

(Sunday to Thursday inclusive) With NIR Travel Staying at the Harcourt Hotel Fashionable City Centre Hotel close to Grafton St and St. Stephen’s Green.

Your break includes:

Return rail from any NIR Station. 2 nights Bed & Breakfast. 3 Course Early Bird Dinner on one evening in the elegant 1900 (Nineteen Hundred) Restaurant.

March /April £150 • May to Sept £174 CERTAIN EXCLUSION DATE BUT YOU WILL BE ADVISED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

For reservations contact NIR Travel call 028 9033 7004 (Office hours Monday to Friday & Saturday Morning)

NIR Travel, Europa Buscentre, Glengall Street, Belfast. www.harcourthotel.ie

V O L . 1 6 / N O . 0 1

C O N T E N T S R E G U L A R S

16

34

38

F E A T U R E S

16.NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Having flirted with them in 2018, Jordan Larmour’s relationship with Irish rugby fans has developed into a full-blown love affair. Grand Slam triumphs, beating the All Blacks, the Rugby World Cup and more are up for discussion as he meets Stuart Clark.

20.REIGN FORECAST Irish A-lister Saoirse Ronan speaks to Roe McDermott about her acclaimed performance in Mary Queen Of Scots, her future ambitions, and about achieving a better work-life balance.

24.PICTURE PERFECT

06. ENTER HERE A rundown of what’s hot and happening at your next stop.

13. RAIL NEWS Up to the minute news from Irish Rail and Translink.

3 5 . FAS H I O N Roe McDermott guides you through some of the hottest spring trends, including the return of denim.

With a record-breaking 3Arena on the way and a new album, MDRN LV, that’s all sorts of wonderful, 2019 is there for Picture This’ taking. LA craziness, studio epiphanies, Oasis and Mani from the Stone Roses are all up for discussion as they meet Stuart Clark.

3 8 . T R AV E L

30.THE FRENCH CONNECTION

40. REVIEWS

Having already enjoyed major success with her Dublin Murder Squad series, crime writer Tana French tells Roisin Dwyer about her first standalone thriller, the gripping The Wych Elm.

3 2 . C O O K W H O ' S TA L K I N G The enfant terrible of Irish cooking, Dylan McGrath, has grown up but there’s still plenty of fire in his belly – and wildly inventive food coming out of his kitchens. Interview: Stuart Clark

An in-depth guide to the mustsee attractions in Dallas.

We pick out the highlights from the latest book, album and Netflix releases.

4 4 . AT T R A C T I O N S Markets, bars, restaurants and hotels, and the best in shopping both North and South.

ENTERPRISE – EDITOR’S LETTER

VOL: 16 ISSUE:01

CREDITS EDITOR: Máirín Sheehy COMMISSIONING EDITOR: Roisin Dwyer CONTRIBUTORS: Stuart Clark, Roisin Dwyer, Peter McGoran, Roe McDermott, Paul Nolan, Peter McNally, Ellie MacLean, Michael Kealy DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Hot Press, 100 Capel Street, Dublin 1 DESIGN: Lili Ferreira, Eimear O'Connor Karen Kelleher ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tom Corcoran GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER Catherine Madden PUBLISHER: Niall Stokes ENTERPRISE IS PUBLISHED FOR N I R A I LWAY S A N D IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY: Osnovina Ltd 100 Capel Street, Dublin 1 TELEPHONE: +353 1 2411 500 EMAIL: enterprise@hotpress.ie LETTERS: The Editor, Enterprise Magazine, 100 Capel Street, Dublin 1 PRINTED BY: Boylan’s Print COVER PIC: Sportsfile

While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the publishers cannot accept any responsibilities for errors. The views contained in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of N I Railways and Iarnród Eireann.

All material © Osnovina 2019.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction of material without permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited

St. Stephen's Green Dublin in spring

THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH NATURE CAN DO The glorious weather experienced in February may be a harbinger of difficulties to come. We all need to do our utmost to minimise the impact we have on the wonders of the natural world...

L

ast year, in the middle of February, we were dealing with The Beast from the East. Snow covered the country. And it was falling, falling, falling.

Twelve months on, temperatures have been almost sub-tropical. We are near the end of what has to have been the mildest February ever recorded on the island of Ireland. A walk through Marlay Park on the south side of Dublin over the weekend was instructive. Lesser celandines – a member of the buttercup family – have been everywhere for weeks. Beds of daffodils are in full bloom already. Magnolia trees are disporting their first full flowers of the season. Everything seems to be weeks, if not more, ahead of schedule.

Temperatures have clambered into the upperhigh teens on occasion. In London, they recorded the hottest day ever on record in February, with readings of over 21°. That’d be considered a hot day in the middle of summer in Ireland.

Who’s complaining? It is a time of year when you really appreciate a bit of warmth. There is a concern, of course, that the tide will turn and that by St. Patrick’s Day, the bitter wind which is too often a feature of March weather will have returned, with added bite. It feels as if, in the words of the great Belfast musician and songwriter, Van Morrison, we’ve moved from the dark end of the street to the bright side of the road in doublequick time. So the message has to be: let’s enjoy it while we can.

But not unthinkingly. Recent reports suggest that insect life is seriously under threat here in Ireland, as well as elsewhere in the world. That might not seem like such a bad thing, if there are fewer midges hovering in gardens and parks as twilight falls during the summer. But eco systems have become increasingly fragile. And our insects – notably our butterflies and bees – are vital to the process of pollination.

Pollination is the ancient urge to continue the species, albeit in a different form to the one

humans know. Pollen is transferred, by what is called a ‘vector’ from a male ‘anther’ of a plant to the female ’stigma’ (the language is arcane, but we will let that pass!) of another plant. Thus are flowers reproduced. Vectors include wind, water, birds, bats and insects. Among insects, pollination is carried out most efficiently by bees.

But the population of bees in Ireland is in serious decline. Butterflies – also noted pollinators – have also diminished in number. While we should never underestimate the resilience of nature, neither can we afford to be complacent. There is too much at stake now to ignore the reality of climate change.

It is convenient to point to the fact that the real action is in China, in India or in the US. To an extent that’s true. This is a small island. But if we all, whether is individuals, or nations, consciously play a part, the accumulation of benefits can – and will – make a long-term difference.

A warm February feels like a blessing and in its way it is. But raging forest fires that have the capacity to reduce whole towns to rubble and soot are not. The terrible truth is that it may not be possible to have one without the other.

Did you know?

There is a species of hawkmoth – named Xanthopan morganii predica – that boasts an extraordinary tongue that is capable of sipping precious nectar from the base of the 30cm long tube of the Malagasy Star Orchid.

This is one of the most remarkable examples ever of natural selection. Having examined the plant, the immortal Charles Darwin predicted that a specialised animal, capable of feeding the orchid, would ultimately be found. He was right. In due course, one of the 1,450 species of Hawkmoth was proven to be the longtongued insect responsible.

MÁIRÍNSHEEHY | EDITOR 4

EN TE R| HERE

A RUNDOWN OF WHAT’S HOT & HAPPENING B Y P E T E R M c N A L LY & E L L I E M a c L E A N

Various Venues, Dublin, March 14–18

ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL DUBLIN 6

This year, the Saint Patrick’s Festival in Dublin will celebrate Ireland’s rich history of storytelling with a packed programme of events spread across five days. Ireland has a deep-rooted tradition of storytelling, reaching back over thousands of years. From spellbinding Irish myths, to our classic and contemporary stories, the tales are vibrant and dynamic. The festival will feature a host of fun-filled family experiences, breathtaking large scale events, diverse and challenging newly commissioned performances, a myriad of musical treats, the magnificent National St. Patrick’s Day Parade and new for 2019, a three-day Festival Village at Merrion Square, Dublin.

ENTER|HERE

Six Nations:

IRELAND v FRANCE Aviva Stadium, Dublin, March 10 The boys in green and Les Bleus both fell at the first hurdle of this year’s Six Nation’, posting opening weekend losses to England and Wales respectively. It’s certain that a lot will rest, then, on this penultimate match of the championship, but Joe Schmidt and his team are sure to be buoyed by the home-town advantage and the return of first-choice number eight, CJ Stander. It was the Ireland V France clash of the Six Nations 2018 that provided one of the tournament’s most iconic images, that of Johnny Sexton’s stunning last second match winning drop goal.

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, May 6-12

SPORTSFILES

One of the most dynamic arts festivals on the island returns for its 20th year in Belfast’s famous Cathedral Quarter. The 20th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city from 6-12 May. For the full programme or to book tickets, visit www.cqaf.com

THE FIRST PLACE

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES HOME OF ST. PATRICK FESTIVAL

Friday 8 - Monday 18 March 2019

VisitArmagh.com 7

ENTER|HERE

SPICE GIRLS Croke Park, Dublin, May 24 Scary, Baby, Sporty and Ginger are set to make history by becoming the first ever girl group to grace the stage at Croke Park. Demand was so high for the 90s sensations, who last played Ireland 21 years ago, that all tickets for the 82,000 capacity stadium were snapped up within two hours. The tour marks the first time the girls will be back together since they appeared at the 2012 London Olympics.

Having sold over 85 million albums worldwide, The Spice Girls hold the record as the most successful female pop group of all time.

BELFAST CITY MARATHON

DRAKE

The Balmoral Show

3Arena, Dublin, March 19–22

Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, May 15-18

Fresh off the back of his sell-out US tour, the platinum selling, chart dominating powerhouse brings his Assassination Vacation show to Dublin for three nights. The tour announcement follows the record-breaking release of Drake’s fifth studio album Scorpion in the summer of 2018, which made history when it racked up over a billion streams in its first week on the charts. The album featured the smash hit single, ‘God’s Plan’, which earned Drizzy his second Grammy Award for Best Rap Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

There’s a number of exciting events happening in Lisburn and its surrounding areas this spring, with the Balmoral Show – Ireland’s largest agrifood event – being one of our top picks.

The Balmoral Show is one of the most important events on Northern Ireland’s calendar, with this four day event featuring everything from showjumping competitions, motorcycle displays, live music, shopping experiences, tastings, a children's farm, and all sorts of animal displays. So whether you’re a farmer or a foodie, a sports stars or an animal lover, you’ll find something to suit you at the Balmoral Show!

And that’s not all that’s happening across the area this spring. The World Tattoo Festival will make its way to Lisburn this April, showcasing the work of over 300 artists and celebrating tattoo culture both nationally and internationally. Elsewhere, enjoy a lively procession of top performers, amazing floats, bands and loads of partying people at the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Mayor's Carnival Parade on April 6. A great day out for all the family.

To find details on all these events and many more, go to visitlisburncastlereagh.com.

Belfast, May 5 The beautiful tree-lined Ormeau Park will once again be the finishing point of this year’s Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon. The 2019 event will be held on Sunday 5th May, with a full line up of events to suit all levels of fitness including the Marathon and Wheelchair Race, the Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run, all with brand new improved routes. Runners will compete on behalf of Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART); Cancer Focus NI; Stroke Association; Air Ambulance NI and Action Mental Health.

8

BLUE PLANET II:

Live In Concert SSE Arena, Belfast, March 23 The towering accomplishment that was the BBC and David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II was a triumph on the small screen when it premiered in 2017. Imagine then, those indelible images projected onto a state of the art 200 square metre 4k Ultra LED screen and accompanied by a full symphony orchestra! Featuring the stirring original score by Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music, this special live event takes you on a fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests. Blue Planet II: Live is a simply breath-taking and epic show that you will never forget.

ENTER|HERE

SNOW PATROL

EURO 2020 QUALIFIER:

Ward Park, Bangor, May 25

Ireland V Georgia

Set to be a massive home-town show for frontman Gary Lightbody, Snow Patrol have announced a huge line-up of the best of Northern Irish music for their summer show at Ward Park. The all NI bill features Foy Vance, ASH, SOAK, Jealous of the Birds, Brand New Friend, JC Stewart, The Wood Burning Savages, Kitt Philippa, ROE, and a yet to be announced special guest. Over the past 25 years, Snow Patrol have released 7 albums with an impressive 13 million global sales and 1 billion track streams.

The band’s latest album Wildness, their first in seven years, was released in May of 2018.

SPORTSFILES

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, March 26 With Captain Fantastic back at the helm, and having narrowly avoided the dreaded ‘Group of Death’, Ireland’s prospects for the upcoming Euro 2020 Qualifiers couldn’t be looking better.

The competition kicks off with an away date against Gibraltar on March 23 and this first home match against Georgia on March 26. For Euro 2020 there is no single host nation. Instead, to mark the 60th anniversary of the tournament, matches will take place in twelve countries throughout Europe. This means that, for the first time, Ireland will host games in the group stage and the round of 16.

DISCOVER LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH Treat the kids, treat your loved ones or simply treat yourself as you relax, unwind and take time out to make memories!

@enjoylisburn @visitlisburn @visitlisburncastlereagh vic.lisburn@ lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk 02892447622 visitlisburncastlereagh.com

9

ENTER|HERE

FABRICE BOURGELLE.

HUGH JACKMAN 3Arena, Dublin, May 30 & 31 Guaranteed to be an evening filled with Broadway bombast and Hollywood glamour, with a pinch of antipodean charm, Hugh Jackman is bringing his first world tour to Dublin for one night only. The Man. The Music. The Show will see Jackman performing hit songs from The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables alongside plenty more hits from Broadway and film, all accompanied by a live orchestra.

Given that the cast-recording album of The Greatest Showman spent a staggering 25 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Irish charts, this might be one of the most eagerly awaited concert appearances on Irish shores in recent years.

BRILLIANT CORNERS JAZZ FESTIVAL Various venues, Belfast, March 2-9 For the seventh year running, the extensively celebrated jazz festival Brilliant Corners will revisit Northern Ireland’s capital for a week of local, national and international talent. It’s safe to say that this year’s incredible lineup will not disappoint, with 10 gigs occurring across various Belfast venues. Beginning at SARC’s sonic lab, American pianist, Craig Taborn will kick off the week, followed by the Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra, showcasing the very best upcoming players in the region, and many more.

PICTURE THIS 3Arena, Dublin, March 27–31

MIGUEL RUIZ

18

Having launched their brand-new album MDRN LV from the 86th Floor Observatory level of New York’s Empire State Building, Hot Press cover stars Picture This are set to break records at home with an incredible sold-out five night run at the 3Arena. The biggest act in Ireland and the nation’s hottest musical export in decades, Picture This arrived as a phenomenon with their self-titled 2017 full-length debut. Certified tripleplatinum in Ireland, it held the #1 spot in the Irish Album Chart for four weeks, while topping the Streaming Chart for seven weeks. Moreover, it has been the most streamed album by an Irish act for two years in a row.

The 39 Steps Lyric Theatre, Belfast, March 03-31 The Lyric Theatre and Bruiser Theatre Company are set to bring back Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly recreated for the stage as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Comedy. Originally based on the adventure novel of the same name by Scottish author John Buchan, the story follows hero Richard Hannay as he grapples with dastardly murderers, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women.

Featuring four fearless actors playing no fewer than 139 roles, The 39 Steps comes back to the Lyric Theatre following its successful run in 2016.

ENTER|HERE

VANTAST I VAL

WALLIS BIRD

Beaulieu House, Drogheda, May 31 – June 2 Located by the banks of the Boyne in the gorgeous grounds of a 17th century estate, Vantastival is a boutique festival like no other. Comprised of mostly Irish acts, ranging across numerous genres, the festival’s first announcement for its 10th anniversary outing in 2019 already boasts established big hitters like King Kong Company, Lisa O’Neill, Jinx Lennon and Wallis Bird. But there are is also a wide array of up-and-coming acts on the bill too, including Louth’s own David Keenan and rising stars Just Mustard; Cry Monster Cry and much, much more. It’s all set up for another memorable weekend in Louth.

LISA O'NIELL

B E L FA S T ’ S O R I G I N A L B L AC K TA X I T O U R Belfast Historical Buildings Tour Belfast Political & Mural Tour Cruise ship Day Trips & Excursions Game of Thrones Tour & Antrim Coast Giants Causeway & Antrim Coast Post Conflict & Political Studies Tour

Phone: 028 9064 2264 | 07702449694 Email: info@belfasttours.com Website:www.belfasttours.com

13 Dame Street D2 George's Street Arcade D2 180 Rathmines Rd Lower D6 11 Academy Street Cork City 96 Botanic Avenue Belfast

umifalafel.ie

11

ENTER|HERE

HOME OF ST. PATRICK FESTIVAL March 8–18, Armagh Where better to celebrate the life of Ireland’s patron saint than at the Home Of St. Patrick Festival in Armagh. The Cathedral County derives its name from what was historically the centre of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral – built on the site of a 445AD stone church constructed by St. Patrick himself. The festival promises a lively and entertaining showcase of the best of Armagh culture, music and spirituality. With events taking place across the city, visitors can enjoy the work of world-renowned Irish artists and performers, like musician Brian Finnegan, artists Louis Le Brocquy and JB Vallely.

For further information on the festival, what to see and do in the area and where to stay throughout the year, go to visitarmagh.com

RICH GILLIGAN

OFFSET Dublin Point Square, Dublin, April 5-7 Offset has fast become the country’s most inspirational educational and vocational conferences for the design and creative industries. With roughly 2,500 attendees every year, the conference has previously attracted Massimo Vignelli, Sir Peter Blake, Paula Scher and David Carson to name a few. Offset is committed to a multidiscipline approach to curation, inviting practitioners from the fields of Graphic Design, Photography, Animation, Illustration, Fashion, Film, Industrial Design and Art. In addition to the live industry focused conference, Offset offers 250 hours of educational content freely online all year round. This year, Offset Dublin’s 10th edition will be hosted in a new venue - the Point Square. Confirmed speakers include; illustrator Edel Rodriguez, the graphic designer Lance Wyman, photographer Rich Gilligan plus many more!

Belfast Film Festival Various Locations, Belfast, April 11-20 Belfast Film festival began in 1995 and has developed hand in hand with the evolving filmmaking scene in the city. This year, to kick off a new five year cultural diversity in film project, the festival will host Aamir Khan. In 2013, Time magazine named Khan as one of the worlds hundred most influential people and the actor was named by Newsweek as “the biggest movie star in the world”. With more than 40 premieres and over 100 events, this year’s programme will be launched Wednesday March 13.

AAMIR KAHN

ANDY WARHOL:

Portraits & Parties Exhibition Gormley’s Fine Art Gallery, Belfast, March 2–19 Andy Warhol’s renowned portraits of Marilyn Munroe, Mao and Muhammad Ali will take centre stage in a brand new £1m exhibition of the artist’s work. The world-famous pop-artist’s print of Monroe is one of the most iconic images in modern art and, at Gormley’s Belfast show, fans can acquire Marilyn Invitation – a signed miniature version of Warhol’s Marilyn created for his Print Retrospective 1968-1981 exhibition – for £14,000! Among the cast of famous characters on show also hang portraits of Warhol himself, along with Hollywood greats Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo and football legend Pele.

12

TAC K L E T R A F F I C C O N G E S T I O N

T RAIN | NEWS

WHAT ’S HAPPENING ON THE RAILWAYS

HAZELHATCH WINS BEST STATION AWARD ON IARNRÓD ÉIREANN NETWORK

Brexit and Enterprise Enterprise customers are advised that the Dublin/Belfast Enterprise service will continue to operate as normal after Brexit. Under the Common Travel Area, UK and Irish citizens can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland in the same manner as before.

For up to date information on Brexit, please visit: dfa.ie/brexit or gov.uk/government/brexit

Patricia Bermingham from Hazelhatch & Celbridge Station (Overall Best Train Station in Ireland) and Ray Delaney from Portlaoise Station (Best Customer Service).

H

azelhatch & Celbridge has been named Overall Best Train Station at the annual Iarnród Éireann Best Station Awards.

The station plays a key role in the busy commuter town of Celbridge and the surrounding area. Since the opening of the Phoenix Park Cross City services in 2016, the station has become even busier. The station benefitted from a significant upgrade in recent years, but Conor Keane and David Maguire of Drogheda Station receive still maintains its old world the Best Leinster Station award from Iarnród Éireann Chief charm. Customers were Executive Jim Meade at the company's Best Station Awards. effusive in their praise for Patricia Bermingham, who title of Best Commuter Station, beating off works at the station. She was complimented competition from Clonsilla and Donabate. for her helpfulness and friendly manner as Munster saw Killarney win the top title. well as her magnificent seasonal displays.

Catherine Cahill was proud to pick up the Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród award. Thurles and Cork stations were Éireann said: “Winning the title of Best highly commended by customers.

Station in Ireland is a high honour and I Sligo was victorious in the Connacht congratulate Patricia Bermingham, Tony category. Station Manager Mary Connolly Doran and all who work so hard to give our was delighted to pick up their award. customers a positive experience as they Ballyhaunis and Ballinasloe were highly pass through their station every day. Our commended in the category. customers are the most important part of Seapoint took the title for Best DART our business, so it is fitting that they should Station with Malahide and Blackrock highly choose the winner of the Best Station commended by customers.

Awards.”

In addition to regional winners, Portlaoise The winners are chosen by public vote, won a specially crafted award for Best with almost 15,000 customers rating their Customer Service. As a busy commuter stations as part of this year’s awards, by station, Portlaoise provides customer Customer Information, Station Appearance care of the highest standards. Customers and Staff Helpfulness. recognised this in the voting, giving top Regional winners marks to Portlaoise for customer service.

In Leinster, Drogheda – a key station on Ray Delaney and all the staff at Portlaoise the Dublin/Belfast Enterprise service – were commended for their excellent emerged victorious, with Station Manager customer service to all those who pass Conor Keane leading the team to collect through the busy station. They always have the award. Heuston and Carlow were highly a friendly smile and a helpful word, knowing commended in Leinster. many of the customers by name.

Hazelhatch & Celbridge also collected the

RECORD YEAR ON IARNRÓD ÉIREANN NETWORK Iarnród Éireann has stated that 2018 was the busiest year ever on Ireland’s rail network, with 47.9 million passenger journeys, up from the previous record of 45.5 million in 2017.

There was growth in all businesses, including: Intercity – 12.4 million journeys (up 8.5%) Commuter – 14.6 million journeys (up 4.5%) DART – 20.5 million journeys (up 4.3%) Intercity growth was driven by increased traffic congestion to and from cities, and major events throughout the year including concerts, sports events and the Papal visit.

DART and Commuter growth were driven by TaxSaver season ticket demand, especially outer Commuter locations such as Drogheda, Kildare and Carlow.

The continued growth demonstrates the importance of investment in fleet and infrastructure under the National Development Plan, with new fleet targeted to enter service from 2021 onwards.

13

T R AIN | NEW S

WHAT ’S HAPPENING ON THE RAILWAYS

TOURISM NI CONTINUES ITS

‘EPIC JOURNEY TO THE 148TH OPEN’

Belfast Visitor Pass

Rory McIlroy at the launch of Epic Journey

Tourism NI is continuing its ‘Epic Journey to The 148th Open’ to mark the excitement and civic pride surrounding the return of golf’s most prestigious championship to Royal Portrush for the first time in nearly 70 years this July.

The 148th Open at Royal Portrush will be beamed to over 600 million viewers across the world, and is set to attract 190,000 eager spectators, with a team of 6,000 staff and 500 volunteers warmly welcoming visitors.

The tournament has already achieved record-breaking ticket sales as the first ever Open Championship to sell out and Tourism NI is inviting local communities to join the excitement and get involved in the countdown to July.

Tourism NI will celebrate with local schools, golf clubs, tourism industry representatives and local communities by taking their giant #TheOpen letter sculpture, along with golf’s most iconic trophy, the Claret Jug, on tour across every county in Northern Ireland, as well as Dublin.

The Epic Journey to The 148th Open will visit the following locations: 1st March: Belfast City Hall 14th March: Enniskillen Castle, Fermanagh 2nd April: Dublin City Centre 9th May: Shambles Yard, Armagh 16th May: Guildhall, L’Derry 30th May: Royal Portrush Golf Club, Antrim 6th June: Slieve Donard Hotel, Down 13th June: Hill of O’Neill Visitor Centre, Tyrone At each location of the ‘Epic Journey to The 148th Open’ campaign, two tickets can be won for a Championship day at The Open 2019. You must snap a photo or take a video of the #THEOPEN letters and share it on social media using the hashtags #TheOpen #Discover NI to enter the competition. Full T&C’s are available at discovernorthernireland.com/ epicjourney For further information on Tourism NI’s ‘Epic Journey to The 148th Open’ campaign visit discovernorthernireland.com/epicjourney

14

The Belfast Visitor Pass is just the ticket to save you time and money, on unlimited travel, discounted tours, attractions and so much more!

Enjoy unlimited travel on Translink services, within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone, to get out and about and explore this vibrant, lively city – plus fantastic offers and discounts, from savings on key attractions and tours to special offers and incentives in some of Belfast’s main cultural venues, restaurants, cafés and shops!

You can buy a Belfast Visitor Pass online at translink.co.uk or at visitbelfast.com, they are also available to purchase at: Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast; Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport; main Translink bus and rail stations in Belfast; and from the Metro Kiosk, Donegall Square West, Belfast.

The Belfast Visitor Pass is available for either 1, 2 or 3 days and can be used for unlimited travel within the specified Belfast Visitor Pass Zone on: Metro and Glider - All services in Belfast.

NI Railways – NI Railways services between Belfast and Cultra, Jordanstown, Mossley West and Derriaghy and all stops in between.

Ulsterbus - Ulsterbus town services within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone such as Holywood and Newtownabbey.

All other Ulsterbus services which pick up and set down passengers within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone.

Airport Express 600 services to and from George Best Belfast City Airport.

1 DAY

2 DAYS

3 DAYS

ADULT PASS

£6.00

£11.00

£14.50

CHILD PASS

£3.50

£6.00

£7.75

Prices include an initial £1 charge for the card. Prices subject to alteration.

For public transport enquiries visit translink.co.uk +44(0)28 9066 6630 For tourism enquiries visit visitbelfast.com +44(0)28 9024 6609

TRAIN|NEWS

NEW DAY! NEW ROUTE! NEW APP!

MARATHON IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT IN 2019!

Belfast City Marathon

Launched in 1982, the 38th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is set to make history on May 5, 2019 by moving to a Sunday. The largest single participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland is set for a massive year of change with a brand new, flatter and faster

route for marathon participants, and a new start location on the grounds of the iconic Stormont Estate. Starting at Stormont at 9am on Sunday May 5, 2019, the marathon route will encompass all four corners of the city; North, East, West and South, finishing at

Ormeau Park, and will be ideal for a first-time marathon runner or anyone seeking a PB. *This event is expected to sell out before the final entry deadline so get in quick!

There’s a full line-up of events to suit all levels of fitness, including the Marathon and Wheelchair Race, Team Relay (between 2-5 people), 8 Mile Walk and a 2.5 mile Fun Run. Please note: the Half Marathon race option is available on Sunday September 22, 2019 (entries are open mid March).

The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is delighted to be able to work with five charity partners in 2019, including Cancer Focus NI, Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART), Action Mental Health, Stroke Association NI and Air Ambulance NI. Have your friends, family or local sports club entered already? We would love you to support them and thousands of participants on the day by volunteering! We have 26.2 miles of volunteer opportunities available.

Contact us at info@belfastcitymarathon.org Entries are open via the My Ticket app at belfastcitymarathon.com. The final entry deadline* will be midnight on Friday 12th April 2019.

15

FEATURE SPORT

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

20

JORDAN LARMOUR

HAVING FLIRTED WITH THEM IN 2018, JORDAN LARMOUR’S RELATIONSHIP WITH IRISH RUGBY FANS HAS DEVELOPED INTO A FULL-BLOWN LOVE AFFAIR. GRAND SLAM TRIUMPHS, BEATING THE ALL BLACKS, THE RUGBY WORLD CUP AND MORE ARE UP FOR DISCUSSION AS HE MEETS STUART CLARK.

A

SPOT OF ADVICE: BEST NOT TO HANG OUT WITH JORDAN LARMOUR IF YOU’VE SELFESTEEM ISSUES. While some of us have reached 55 with only a Junior Cycling Proficiency Test certificate and an Under-11 Primary Schools’ Football Cup runners-up medal – their winner was yards offside! – to show for our sporting efforts, the 21-year-old’s first full season playing senior rugby yielded Six Nations, Champions Cup and PRO14 winners medals.

Add in a World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination – the accolade eventually went to South Africa winger Aphiwe Dyantyi – and it’s no wonder that the Ireland and Leinster starlet has oval ball fans here salivating ahead of this year’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 20 and will hopefully require Joe Schmidt’s men to remain in Japan until November 2.

Such a rapid rise to prominence could go to a young man’s head, but Jordan is affability and modesty personified as we sit down for a chinwag in Engeria Park, so chosen because of the titular electricity provider’s new multiyear partnership with Larmour and broader support of Leinster Rugby.

Asked what his expectations had been ushering in 2018, he says: “Well, they certainly weren’t what’s happened. A good year for me would have just been becoming a regular in the Leinster set-up. I was shocked when I got called up for the Six Nations – and even more shocked to be involved in three of the games. Winning the Grand Slam, going to Australia and playing in the three tests there and then beating the All Blacks… it’s been a crazy year to be honest!”

A lot of people think that Jordan making his Irish debut last February against Italy was prompted by the slaloming wonder try he scored in Leinster’s December 2017 defeat of Munster, but Joe Schmidt had been keeping close tabs on him for several years.

“I was in the Ireland camp a few times when I was with the under-20s, so I got a little taste of how he operates and what he expects of you,” Jordan recalls.

“It was really motivating to be at the training ground with the stars I’d grown up watching and dreamed of playing with. It was really cool to see the whole dynamic of the group.”

How does Joe Schmidt compare to his Leinster gaffer, Leo Cullen?

“I’m extremely lucky to have those two people coaching me. They’re similar enough in their microscopic attention to detail and their man management, which is extremely good.”

Did he manage to absorb every detail of the Italy game or was it all a bit of a blur?

“I tried to treat it like any other game – I’d taken on all the little details I needed to during the week – but, yeah, there were a few nerves just before walking out onto the pitch. You always get a few butterflies before kick-off. It was a shame that my coming on in the 45th minute was a result of Robbie (Henshaw) dislocating his shoulder, but, yeah, having my family there to watch me play my first Six Nations game was really special.”

After only getting six minutes against Scotland in Ireland’s second Six Nations win, Jordan celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a massive performance against England, which saw him win 83% of his tackles.

“I came on with half-an-hour to go, which was a lot more minutes than I thought I’d get. It was nervewracking but once I got stuck in I was okay. With maybe 20 minutes to go, I moved into the centre.

Having Garry (Ringrose) there, Johnny (Sexton) inside me and Rob (Kearney) at the back made it a lot easier for me to fit in. It was a really special day.”

Does he have a regular Ireland roommate yet?

“I share with Andrew Porter a good bit.”

Does he snore?

“Yes! I just throw pillows at him the whole night!”

If you think we’re overstating just how good Jordan Larmour is, consider the words of former England coach Stuart Lancaster, now on the staff at Leinster, who’s watched the quantum leaps in his development.

“Whether he’s in the 15 shirt or any shirt really, he reminds me of the threat that Damian McKenzie brings for the All Blacks, so you don’t know what he is going to do and when he’s going to do it,” Lancaster observes. “That unpredictability sets Jordan apart from other players I’ve coached recently. At 15 he’s a really good option because if you kick to him then something is liable to happen.”

If Irish hopes of winning the World Cup were high after the Grand Slam, they were at fever pitch following Ireland’s second smiting of New Zealand in two years.

Though expectations may have cooled slightly during the Six Nations campaign – and particularly after the opening day defeat for England – there is still anticipation of a major breakthrough at this year's tournament.

A 65th minute replacement for Rob Kearney during the New Zealand clash, Larmour dealt brilliantly with the physicality of the All Blacks. How did Joe Schmidt prep them for the game?

“We talked during the week about attacking them rather than being on the back foot; we needed to take the game to them in every aspect,” he reveals. “The

" THERE WERE A FEW NERVES JUST BEFORE WALKING OUT ONTO THE PITCH. YOU ALWAYS GET A FEW BUTTERFLIES BEFORE KICK-OFF."

17

main things were fronting up and winning the physical battles that you know with the All Blacks are going to be all over the pitch. There were a lot of sore bodies after that game, lads just throwing themselves into contact. It paid off.”

That it did. Jordan’s quick to acknowledge the support he’s received from senior squad members.

“Johnny Sexton is very good, as are Rory Best, Keith Earls and Rob Kearney. There’s a good group of leaders who, if there’s a break in play, will bring us in to have a chat. They’ll also say a few words before a game and at halftime when appropriate. Everyone is there to help you get better and improve.”

While his Leinster teammates worked on their golf handicaps, Jordan spent a sizeable chunk of 2018 studying the psychological side of the game.

“Yeah, me and Josh van der Flier did Dr. Olivia Hurley’s Certificate in Sports Psychology at IADT,” he reveals. “Unfortunately, I missed about eight weeks of it, but it was still hugely beneficial. Say, for instance, you make a mistake during a game; you need to block it out and move on to the next moment. Every rugby player’s going to have injuries, so you need to know how to cope with them. The key is setting yourself little goals throughout the week to pass the time and avoid you feeling that, ‘Oh my God, this is the longest thing ever.’ Mentally you have to be strong.”

Olympic sprinter David Gillick, hockey player Shane O’Donoghue, jockey Sophie VardRyan, hurler Tony Óg Regan and boxer John Joyce are among the other elite athletes that Hurley has helped with the mental side of their performances.

“It translates across all sports,” Jordan adds. “I’d recommend the course to anybody interested in the subject.”

Talking to Hot Press following Ireland’s pugnacious November 2017 encounter with South Africa – Joe Schmidt could’ve done with bringing Anthony Joshua on in the latter stages – Bundee Aki said that one of the key differences between provincial and international rugby is the ferocity of the hits.

“The Springboks are big fellas,” Jordan nods.

“Yeah, the physicality does go up a notch. We talk a lot about two man tackles – y’know, two of their guys clattering into you at the same time. The pace of the game goes up a bit too.

If you’re a second too slow at a ruck, it’ll be a turnover. You’ve got to be on point in every aspect, really.”

When Hot Press first met Robbie Henshaw at a stage of his career similar to Jordan Larmour’s now, he was devouring all in front of him as per the instructions of the Connacht coaching staff who wanted him to put on 15kg.

Has Jordan similarly had to bulk up?

“Did my mum feed me three Christmas dinners?” he laughs. “No! I always loved going to the gym, so as a teenager even I was quite strong. I never thought, ‘I’m too small, I need to get bigger.’ I was always happy with my numbers in the gym.”

Who’s been his toughest international opponent to date?

18

SPORTSFILES

JORDAN LARMOUR

Ruck and roll: Jordan Larmour in action against Argentina “When we were in Australia last summer, David Pocock was so good and tough to stop.”

The Wallabies’ openside flanker being 6ft and 16st 3lb compared to Jordan’s 5ft 10in and 14st 5lb.

“At international level, pretty much every player is quality and tough. You just need to be on your ‘A’ game all the time.”

Beating Australia twice in their own backyard is another reason why, at the time of talking, Ireland at 7/2 are second only to an evens New

"WE BELIEVE THAT IF WE PLAY TO OUR FULL POTENTIAL WE CAN BEAT ANYBODY." Zealand in the Rugby World Cup betting.

“That was a huge tour,” Jordan agrees. “It was my first time in Australia, which is a really cool place. The week we got there we did a bit of exploring and some jet skiing. Again, coming on quite early in two of the tests, I got a lot more minutes than I expected to get. After the defeat in the opening game, we talked about how massive it’d be to come back from 1-0 down and beat them 2-1. It was a really good learning experience and I loved every minute of it.”

We all know how tough a Pool A opponent Scotland will be, but has Jordan been having sneaky looks at video clips of Japan, Russia and Samoa to see what they’ll be bringing to the World Cup party?

“Not really because it’s quite far away and we’ve been focusing on the Six Nations and

the big Leinster games we’ve got coming up.

You try to stay in the present and not get too far ahead of yourself.”

Cards on the table time: does he think that Ireland can win the World Cup? “We believe that if we play to our full potential we can beat anybody,” he says, which we’re taking as a “Yes, we’re going to go to Japan, whoop everybody and kickstart the biggest pre-Christmas party this or any other country has ever seen. And then some…”

For all of his breaking into the Irish squad, Jason hasn’t been able to get anywhere near the team hi-fi yet.

“James Ryan is in charge of the tunes. He’s always making playlists, which have to include a bit of Christy Moore! I have my own music on shuffle, which is stuff like Post Malone and Khalid. I’m a bit of a hip hop boy!”

Lest we leave Leinster fans feeling shortchanged, what about that balmy May night in Bilbao where they beat Racing 92 15-12 to get their paws on the Champions Cup for the fourth time?

“That was extremely special,” Jordan beams again. “Our captain Isa Nacewa, who was retiring, kicked the winning penalty in the 78th minute so it had a real fairytale quality to it.

He’s such a legend at the club. I’m glad I got to experience how selfless Isa is and how hard he works for the team firsthand. Wherever he goes now, as a coach presumably, he’ll do a great job. The PRO14 final against Scarlets in the Aviva is another standout, and I really enjoyed the victory before Christmas at Bath, which is a tough place to go. The weather was horrible, which made the high balls and kick-ins quite difficult, but we adjusted well to the conditions. To then beat Connacht in the PRO14 in Dublin made it a very good Christmas!”

CHECK OUT THE

HOT PRESS SHOP

SHOP.HOTPRESS.COM

N I A L L STO K E S FOUNDER & EDITOR

EXCLUSIVE MUSIC BOOKS • COLLECTOR’S ITEMS • BACK ISSUES • Pick an A3 print of your favourite Hot Press cover, with almost 1,000 to choose from • Hundreds of exclusive, beautiful large format A2 cover prints, signed by the artists • Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You is one of the most beautiful music book ever published

• Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book comes in two formats, including a gorgeous large format collectors limited edition • U2: Songs + Experience will be signed by author Niall Stokes (personal dedications an option)

009 HP.AN.19

FEATURE CINEMA

REIGN FORECAST 20

SAOIRSE RONAN

Irish A-lister Saoirse Ronan on her acclaimed performance in Mary Queen Of Scots, future ambitions, and achieving a better work-life balance.

By Roe McDermott

sk anyone who has ever worked with, interviewed or just spoken to Saoirse Ronan and one word will always pop up, right after “lovely” and “humble.”

It’s “professional.” Having landed her first acting gig at age 9 on the Irish TV show The Clinic, the 24-year-old actress has grown into the consummate professional. Having starred in films like Atonement, Brooklyn, The Lovely Bones, The Grand Budapest Hotel and last year’s critical darling Lady Bird, Ronan’s professionalism has not only garnered her a Golden Globe award and two Oscar nominations, but a reputation for being incredibly talented, focused, and a canny player of the game that is Hollywood.

In interviews, she is always warm and personable, correcting the pronunciation of her name for the millionth time without an ounce of frustration and going along with jokes with great humour (even that

A

embrace those feelings calmly and explore what she needed to do to bring more balance to her life, which involved spending more time with friends and having more fun.

“It was interesting for me to see when I did reach that point and start to give the rest of my life a bit more time, how relaxed I became at work,” she says. “Work is something that I do take very seriously when I’m doing it, and I’m definitely a perfectionist." But she tries to avoid feeling self-important about it, saying she adored Olivia Colman’s endearingly humble and understated acceptance speech at the Golden Globes this year. “I like that attitude of ‘I just learn the lines and show up and do it.'”

Instead of approaching it like with the somewhat self-glorifying, awards-baiting ‘I Am Acting’ attitude that you can sense dripping off some actors, Ronan prefers to embrace

“There’s something really wonderful about being able to disappear into another world.” awful Oirish SNL skit.) But she is also brilliantly adept at dodging questions about her personal life, never giving too much away, but never making it look like she’s deliberately being evasive – like only a pro can.

But what’s it like being a young woman in your twenties – a time where most young people are making absurd mistakes and figuring out what they want to do with their life – when you’ve spent the past decade establishing yourself as an actor and public professional? How do you define yourself beyond work you started when you were nine?

“I think I’m still figuring that out!” laughs Ronan, sitting on stage at The Google Foundry in Dublin. But she understands the question, having asked it of herself already. “I got to a point a few years ago, and it’s something that I’m still aware of, that I love the work but I thought, ‘Is this sort of all I can do?’ It’s great to have work, but you don’t want to just be defined by that one thing either.”

Instead of succumbing the very understandable public breakdowns and identity crises that some of her famous peers have gone through, Ronan allowed herself to

the experience as a whole. “I almost go at it from a child’s approach, because it’s play, it’s imaginary, and there’s something really wonderful about being able to disappear into another world. You have to remember that.”

Ronan's latest movie is Josie Rourke's Mary Queen Of Scots, in which she plays the titular monarch, opposite Margot Robbie’s Elizabeth I. For Ronan, the chance to play a role that explored power and femininity was always an irresistible project – but its personal resonance has changed since she first read the script.

“I had signed up to it when I was 18 and we made it when I was 23, so there was about five years in between,” she explains. “And loads of people have been asking me if I had made it at 18, would the film have been different, or would I have been a different Mary – and I really think I would have been. I’m so happy we made it when we did, because it was so important to show that Mary expected to be the leader that she wanted to be, and expected to get that respect from the people around her. But she was a woman, and she enjoyed being a woman. And I also enjoy being a

21

“There’s obviously an innate understanding of a very particular female experience that you can only get from another female, obviously. But also just to think that that experience itself has some importance; that if someone doesn’t go through that, it could often go overlooked.”

But for Ronan, it’s more about sensibility than gender, and she appreciates writers and directors whose vision isn’t shaped by traditional gender roles, but empathy and curiosity.

“At the end of the day, I’ve worked with female directors who are quite masculine, or others who are more sensitive and delicate – and the same with men. The director I’m about to work with, Francis Lee, is the most sensitive, lovely man, and he’s about to direct two women in love in a film. I don’t think I could be in better hands. So it depends on the person.”

How does she feel about inclusion riders and other incentives to promote women writers and directors?

“I would hope that it happened naturally,” she sighs disappointedly. “Though I know it hasn’t and that’s why people are pushing for it. I’ve been very lucky in that the first director I worked with was a woman, and I’ve continued to work with female directors since. That hasn’t been an unusual thing for me, but there just needs to be more of them, so that they can represent their own stories. And to be honest, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want that. It just means that when you go to the cinema, you have more of a choice. There’ll be a little bit of everything.

I think it will start to change – I think it already has started to change.”

The audience at the Google Foundry is primarily made up of young people and professionals in their twenties, and Ronan is asked if she can share some tips for success – but as ever, she is humble and self-aware in her answer.

“There is a lot of it that is down to luck.

Anyone who is doing well at what they’re doing, regardless of the industry, will say that there was one person – one person who believed in you, who championed you, who gave you a chance. And I’ve had those people. I was very luck that I had a Dad who was already acting, so I was already introduced to that world at an early age. But there are also people like John and Ros Hubbard who are casting agents, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. But once you start working, focus and love for what you do, and honestly a really good work ethic, is what will get you through it. I really admire people who give it their absolute best. And surround yourself with really great, ambitious people who will challenge you and make you work harder.”

Not that she needs the reminder – as she mentioned, she’s set to star opposite Kate Winslet in Francis Lee’s Ammonite, as well as playing Jo in Greta Gerwig’s remake of Little Women. She’s also just started working on Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, a musical set in France after World War II. But in an ideal world, what would her dream role be?

“I would pay to be in the sequel to Bridesmaids!” she says with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of an obsessive fangirl. “And I think it’s about time someone made a film about Countess Markievicz. I’d like to play her. Or Queen Medb. So I can just use my own accent!”

“I really admire people who give it their absolute best”

woman. And that’s something that was still new for me, at that age, in my early twenties.”

That time, a woman’s early twenties, are “an exciting and scary time”, Ronan says. So she was frustrated when she hit that age and discovered that despite her impressive filmography and obvious talent, there just weren’t many interesting and well-rounded parts for women her age.

“From the ages of 18 to 24, maybe, there just haven’t been that many characters out on screen that are female. That was such a frustration that I had in my late teens,” Ronan admits. “For some reason we weren’t being written about, and I didn’t know why. And that was the stage when I started asking ‘What’s going on, our voices are important!’ And everything is happening to you, it’s such an exciting and scary time – which was exactly the same for Mary Stewart. So to highlight that time in a woman’s life and honour it by playing someone real who experienced that was really exciting.”

Rourke’s film has received some criticism for historical inaccuracies, such as an onscreen meeting between Mary and Elizabeth that never happened, but it’s also being rightly lauded for its representation of the embodied female experience. Ronan is aware that Rourke fought hard with anxious studio executives to keep the female-centric tone, and is grateful.

22

FEATURE MUSIC

PICTURE PERFECT 24

PICTURE THIS

With a record-breaking 3Arena on the way and a new album, MDRN LV, that’s all sorts of wonderful, 2019 is there for PICTURE THIS’ taking.

LA craziness, studio epiphanies, Oasis and Mani from the Stone Roses are all up for discussion as they meet STUART CLARK. PHOTOGRAPHY: MIGUEL RUIZ

R

YA N H E N N E SSY D O E SN’T A PPE A R

particularly tortured when you meet him, but this man has suffered for his art. Severely.

“I got this tattoo done in honour of the new record,” says the Picture This singer, as he pulls back his bottom lip to reveal both gleaming gnashers and ‘MDRN LV’ inked there in spidery blue lettering. “I’ve never felt pain like it.

It hurt sooooo bad!”

Getting its title inked onto one of his tactile sensory organs might seem extreme, but Ryan and the chaps are right to be excited about Picture This’ new album. MDRN LV is an all killer, no filler collection of pop tunes that matches the group’s stated ambition of becoming one of the biggest bands in the world. They proved they’ve got the live chops to do that last September when they played the gig of their young lives so far at Electric Picnic.

“It was crazy,” Ryan reminisces. “That was the most emotional I’ve ever felt on stage. There were a couple of times I nearly started crying. We sat in silence in the dressing room afterwards for like twenty minutes, maybe longer, and then just broke into laughter.

Growing up, I never thought I’d be in a band, yet alone playing the Main Stage at something like Electric Picnic. To look out and see that sea of faces singing every word back to us was so surreal.”

Electric Picnic was only the beginning. The band are now set to play a record breaking run of five consecutive nights in Dublin’s 3Arena this March. Which given that Picture This’ last show in the capital was a 30,000 RDS sellout is almost their version of playing an intimate Whelan’s gig.

“We’ve never actually played Whelan’s,” Ryan says. “We completely skipped it. We started off in The Academy, so we’ll have to go back some time and do it retrospectively. With venues like that you can feel the history. I was confident that the 3Arena shows would sell-out, but not as fast as they did.

Jimmy, who’s really good at gauging these things, thought it’d take weeks but it was hours. We were shocked.”

When you’ve only one album your set-list writes itself, but Picture This have some serious agonising to do re: what gets played in the 3Arena and what gets left out.

“I was trying to work it out the other day and it’s really tough,” Ryan admits. “I’ve no idea how bands like U2 who’ve been making records since the ‘70s do their set-lists. They must have some serious arguments!”

One of the more bizarre rock’n’roll conversations I’ve had recently was with Mani – of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream – who, on his way to Kildare to pick up his Made Of Athy award, wanted to know all about these young Picture This whippersnappers who are also from Knockroe, Maganey.

“Mani from the Stone Roses was asking about us?!” Ryan splutters increduously. “That he even knows our name is

insane. Them and Oasis are my two favourite bands of all time.

Listening to (What’s The Story) Morning Glory aged nine or ten was my first ‘Wow, I know what they’re talking about here!’ moment. They were about really normal working-class stuff and I thought, ‘This is cool, this is amazing.’ I hadn’t really paid attention to music before then – it was just kind of on the radio – but Noel and Liam changed all that.”

Knowing them to be Picture This’ favourite Athy watering holes, I told Mani to pop into Anderson’s on Emily Square and the C.I. Bar on Leinster Street.

“Class!” Ryan nods approvingly. “We were out of town, otherwise I’d have gone down and met him and Johnny Marr, who was over the week before. I did see Frances Bean Cobain who was in Newbridge last summer for the Kurt Cobain exhibition. The Made In Athy thing is so cool.”

“Johnny Cash’s family is from there too,” Jimmy notes. “‘Walking the line’ is what we call it locally when you go walking down by the river. Johnny played a gig in the Dreamland Ballroom in Athy in the early ‘60s, apparently heard the phrase and shortly afterwards brought out ‘Walk The Line’.”

“THAT SEA OF FACES SINGING EVERY WORD BACK TO US WAS SO SURREAL.”

TH E C OL L A BORAT ION GAME

Picture This will be spending a goodly part of 2019 in the US where they’re signed to Republic, the New York label whose roster also includes such other up and comers as Drake, Lorde, The Weeknd, Florence + The Machine, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. They must throw one hell of a Christmas party.

“We didn’t make 2018’s, but we were at a previous one when Ryan and I had just signed to Republic,” Jimmy smiles.

“There were loads of famous actors there and Joe Jonas’ new band, DNCE. We kept expecting somebody to tap us on the shoulder and say, ‘You shouldn’t be here!’”

It was through Republic that Picture This were introduced to Jayson DeZuzio, the Tame Impala, Jason Derulo, Dua Lipa and AlunaGeorge co-writer/producer, who’s also sprinkled his magic sonic dust on MDRN LV. “We actually recorded an album between December 2017 and the end of January 2018,” Ryan reveals. “It was quite similar – actually, too similar – to the first record, except for the song that came last, ‘If You Wanna Be Loved’, which has made it onto MDRN LV. We stumbled on this different sound and approach and started leaning towards that. Because we’d finished so early, Republic said, ‘Look, we know you don’t write with other people, but seeing as you’ve time on your hands why don’t you come to LA and try it?’ So we did this writing session, and I absolutely hated it. It was some guy on a laptop doing all this rubbish. It took us six hours to do a verse and a pre-chorus.

“Angry because of that, and the fact they’d lined somebody else up for us to write with, I rang our label guy and said, ‘I’m not doing another session!’ He was like, ‘Well, we have one

25

“THE FRIENDSHIPS IN PICTURE THIS ARE REALLY STRONG.”

booked and it’d be rude to cancel’. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll do the session, but we’ll cap it at three hours, okay?’ Anyway, the next person turned out to be Jayson. I said, ‘Look, we’re not starting a song from scratch here.

We have songs, let’s just work on some’. So we worked on ‘Magnet’, which is also on MDRN LV, and straight away said, ‘Wow, this guy has to do the whole album!’”

“He’s like the extra 20%, isn’t he?” Jimmy proffers.

“The things he was doing production-wise were so shocking,” Ryan resumes. “Within 10 minutes he was on a laptop, taking our ideas and running with them. He was just so in-sync with our brains and had so much common sense when it came to what sounds good and what sounds terrible. He was so positive. Not once did he say, ‘I don’t like that chorus, I don’t like that lyric’. It was, ‘That’s great, but we can make it even better by trying this…’ The confidence you get from somebody who works at that level telling you, ‘This is a brilliant song!’ is incredible. Jayson literally changed my life.”

Whilst happy to bounce ideas around with Jayson DeZuzio, the singer by his own admission remains a control freak.

“Oh, totally!” Ryan concurs. “I’m a very controlling person; it has to be my way sometimes. We’re all the same. I think it’s a great trait that we’re so passionate about the band, but I have to calm down a bit!”

MDRN LV’s big ‘phones in the air’ song is ‘Somebody To Love’ – “Is there somebody with you / Does he make you feel warm and secure / Just how I used to do” – which finds Ryan pouring his broken heart out in the studio to Australian starlet CXLOE. All manner of emotional turmoil occurs before, phew, the girl gets won back at the end. I’m telling you now, oceans of tears are going to be shed over it.

“CXLOE is a star in the making,” Ryan notes. “People have crazy connections to our songs. They really relate to them, which is exactly what I want as a writer. When we put ‘Everything Or Nothing’ out at Christmas, I was shocked by the number of tweets we got saying, ‘Wow, you’ve exactly described my situation’. It’s all down to being honest and writing from a personal place.”

L EA R NI NG FR OM E X P E R I E N CE Unfortunately for their fans on this side of the Atlantic, Picture This’ LA romance has developed to the point where they’re thinking of moving over.

26

“It’s funny because the first time we touched down in LA, I really hated it,” Ryan says. “Then when we went back I was like, ‘I want to live here’. I hate saying it because it sounds pretentious, but I find I’m much more creative when I’m there. Although it’s not easy writing a heart-wrenching break-up song when it’s 30 degrees and sunny outside!”

Have they had any ‘LA moments’?

“Loads!” Ryan laughs. “The first famous person we saw there was Chris Jericho, the wrestler. Then we were at dinner and Billy Bob Thornton was sat across from us.”

“We were at a party in West Hollywood,” Jimmy recounts, “and when we got home the next day my bed in the Airbnb we were staying in had disappeared. We eventually discovered it in a dumpster down the street, so we brought it back, got new sheets and pretended that it never happened. We suspect it was two other Irish lads we’d met over there that did it, but we’re not sure!”

The band have also managed to fit in a couple of epic North American road trips.

“On one of our first tours there, Ryan drove the van all the way from New York to Toronto, which is a ten hour trip and we couldn’t believe some of the places we went through – it’s so desolate and odd. You’re like, ‘This is the real America!’ When we’re over next in April, we’ve got gigs in Montana and Utah, which I’m sure will be eye-openers too.”

Ryan and Jimmy thought they’d died and gone to heaven last month when their RTÉ 2fm pal Eoghan McDermott asked them to interview The 1975.

“We’ve a serious bromance going on with The 1975!” Mr. Hennessy admits. “Eoghan couldn’t make it down to the 3Arena, so he sent us in his place.”

The lads doubtless switched into tabloid hack mode and pumped Matt Healy and the boys for salacious rock ‘n’ roll tales.

“Er, no, we got a bit muso-ish and asked them stuff about tour production and what goes on in their heads during the creative process,” Ryan confesses. “The fine balance they’ve achieved of being mainstream whilst at the same time extremely artistic is what we aspire to. From the artwork and the videos, to the stage sets and the songs themselves, everything is so meticulously planned.”

Any other bromances we should be aware of?

“I’m blown away by Charlie Puth,” Jimmy shoots back. “I just assumed he was a manufactured pop act, but he writes all these brilliant songs and produces them himself. He’s been a big influence on me.”

“Snow Patrol last year in 3Arena were amazing,” Ryan adds. “My first time being blown away by them was in the Olympia. They’re able to go from 1,500-capacity venues to 14,000 ones and still make it feel intimate.”

Matt Healy and Gary Lightbody have both overcome serious addiction issues. Do Picture This understand how musicians can run into difficulty, as Matt and Gary did?

“There are a lot of pressures that come with being in a band,” Ryan responds. “There are also a lot of pressures that come with being in a 9 to 5 or being unemployed and needing a job. It all depends, I guess, on your circumstances. I’m glad that at this point in our career we’re in our twenties rather than our teens – you do learn from experience – and have a great crew, manager and each other to fall back on. The friendships in Picture This are really strong.”

These are wise heads on relatively young shoulders.

MDRN LV is out now.

B Y P E T E R M C N A L LY & E L L I E M A C L E A N

M Y

C I T Y | B E L FA S T

What do you like best about Belfast?

Without a doubt – its the people. Belfast people have a very unique sense of humour.

And judging by those who ring into my radio show at U105, they have strong opinions and very well honed debating skills! You’d never be short of craic when in the city.

What’s the most iconic thing about modern Belfast?

I’d have to say its bus lanes – they have added greatly to Belfast over the years. I’d appeal to anyone who has to drive in the city to consider using the Glider, Metro bus, taxis, motorbikes, bicycles – actually anything to give me more room to drive my car!

Only kidding, anything to improve our environment has to be encouraged.

What’s your favourite place to eat and why?

I suppose I could pick some very upmarket and posh restaurant that charges an exorbitant amount for a tiny plateful. But the place I look forward to visiting is Fish City on Ann Street. Their chips taste fabulous and I like their ethical approach to, and support of, the fishing industry.

FRANK MITCHELL Broadcaster & Journalist

Titanic Visitors Centre

Belfast’s best bar?

I’m not out at bars in Belfast very often – but I love the setting outside the Duke of York in the Cathedral Quarter.

The hanging umbrellas between the buildings are beautiful and, I feel, a subliminal tribute to weather presenters everywhere!

Where do you like to pick up ingredients for cooking?

I tend to pick up ingredients in the cupboard beside the cooker in the kitchen – my wife and daughter are much better cooks than I am! As someone born and raised in the countryside with close contact to the farming community, I’m a great believer in local produce. I haven’t eaten meat since 1988, and whilst I do like a fish dish, I could easily go vegetarian. I am also interested in the rise in popularity of veganism and the ranges that are now available in stores.

Where do you shop for clothes?

I love Moss Bros – I am a creature of habit and if I find a store that sells clothes that I am comfortable in, I’ll just keep going back.

Favourite Belfast building?

UTV and coincidentally U105 moved last year to new premises at City Quays 2 at Clarendon Dock. The building itself is fabulous as is the surrounding area. We’re right on the top floor and the views from every corner of the building are spectacular.

Your Belfast music?

Van Morrison comes to mind immediately – he is a world superstar and a genius of the art. There really is no one at his level, but people like Anthony Toner and the late Bap Kennedy have brought us great songs.

Favourite Belfast neighbourhood?

I’m going to say Ladybrook, just off Finaghy Road North in the west. This is where I met my wife when I was a student living in the area. I smile when Ladybrook comes to mind.

What’s your most loved spot in Belfast to catch some metime?

Without a doubt, Belfast’s hills: Cavehill, Divis and Black Mountain. I regularly walk there. It’s great just to breath in the fresh air high above the city and appreciate the stunning views. It’s solitary, but not in a lonely way – it’s just so peaceful, being alone in the wide open space.

Your favourite place to bring friends / family when they visit Belfast?

The Cathedral Quarter is a lovely spot to bring friends, and I also love the Titanic Visitors’ Centre. It’s very impressive and that whole area has really grown and developed as a result.

Your Belfast hero?

BBC presenter and producer Cherrie McIlwaine – she gave me tremendous guidance as I started out on my own broadcasting career. Without her advice and direction, I probably wouldn’t be as busy in broadcasting as I am. I think I would have gone back to a teaching career if it hadn’t been for her.

27

FEATURE MUSIC

PAST & PRESENT

28

MAGGIE ROGERS

Having written songs which left A-listers like Pharrell Williams and Mumford & Sons speechless, MAGGIE ROGERS has become one of 2019’s hottest pop prospects following the release of debut album, Heard It In A Past Life. She tells Enterprise about falling in love with Irish culture, growing up in Donald Trump’s America, and pining for the days of the badly-behaved rock star.

WORDS: Ed Power aggie Rogers became internet famous in 2016 when a video of Pharrell Williams grooving along to her diffident R&B banger ‘Alaska’ went viral. Rogers was at the time studying for a masters degree in music at New York University and Williams had dropped in for a songwriting masterclass.

As Rogers pressed play on a demo she’d put together in her bedroom four days previously, Pharrell’s eyes grew progressively wider and he broke into a sly smile. “Wow,” he finally stuttered. “I have zero, zero, zero notes for that… You’re doing your own thing… it’s singular.”

M

“I miss the grit, I miss anything that’s real about musicians."

Three years later, Rogers is now poised to become real world famous too. ‘Alaska’ is just one of the stand-outs on her fantastic major label debut, Heard It In A Past Life. Bringing together the 24-year-old Marylander’s love of folk and electronica, it’s a knock-out – catchy yet steeped in a wisdom that belies her youth.

In person, Rogers is every bit as forceful. She breezes into her first major Irish interview carrying a bag from the Hodges Figgis book store. It’s opening night of her tour supporting Mumford & Sons and their weird, in-the-round-stage that’s actually a rectangle. She’s come bearing goodies – a Proust paperback for Marcus Mumford and sundry other volumes for his bandmates.

Rogers is a fan of Irish music, which is why she is thrilled to be opening her first arena tour here. It is to be merely the first of several visits to our shores. She’ll go on to play two sell-out dates at Dublin's Academy in February, and over the summer will perform in Cork as support to top-knotted tyro Hozier.

“I don’t know if I feel comfortable speaking generally

about Irish culture but from my readings it seems that folk music is communal here in a way it isn’t in other English-speaking countries,” she says. “Where I grew up, I knew that even if you can sing, you don’t want to draw attention to yourself.”

Where Rogers grew up was a farmhouse in Easton, Maryland, two hours from Washington DC. Maryland is one of America’s most diverse states but Easton, she reports, is very much the South. Most of her friends from middle school voted for Donald Trump and when she volunteered to give her public backing to a Democratic candidate in the recent mid-terms, Rogers received a polite “no thank you”. Her New York music industry background rendered her deeply suspicious in the eyes of many of her fellow southern Marylanders.

“They didn’t want my support,” she says. “To win as a Democrat you have to be moderate. I would have been too liberal a figure. I speak about women’s rights, I am concerned about the environment. It’s very Tea Party Republican – very conservative.”

She started out writing orthodox folk songs. An entirely new world was revealed to her when she went to study in France for a year. She had got to know some Germans in New York and they invited her to Berlin to experience the city’s nightlife. Back in New York she would receive another education in the industry working as an intern with music writer Lizzie Goodman, then toiling on Meet Me In The Bathroom, her definitive oral history of the early 2000s NYC music scene.

Roger’s duties included transcribing Goodman’s interviews – tell-all tête-à-têtes with members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Strokes, Interpol and LCD Soundsystem.

“The Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the tail end of their first record had this incredible summer tour planned and they canned it because they needed to go work on their second album. They were ready to be in the studio. The lesson was that sometimes you have to take that risk.”

What also struck her was that life was so much grittier back then. She has 260,000 Instagram followers and is aware that she will pop up on fans’ feeds alongside the latest musings from Kim Kardashian or Taylor Swift. Like it or not, she is a part of the celebrity complex and it freaks her out.

“We’re missing a little bit of that rock mentality.

Everything is so groomed. On Instagram you have to wear these perfect clothes and have the perfect meal. I miss the grit, I miss anything that’s real about musicians.

Because of Instagram you are an inherent part of celebrity culture. I don’t know where that leaves music.

The way some musicians in the past handled themselves would be incredibly frowned upon today – they messed up, they showed up late, they got drunk. I’m not a very controversial person – I don’t have a lot of crazy stuff to say. But it does worry me that nothing feels real anymore.”

Heard It In A Past Life is out now. Maggie Rogers plays Independent Park, Cork (June 25)

29

FEATURE BOOKS

TANA FRENCH

THE FRENCH CONNECTION Having already enjoyed major success with her Dublin Murder Squad series, crime writer TANA FRENCH has now penned her first standalone thriller, the gripping The Wych Elm. Interview Roisin Dwyer

was interested in seeing the whole murder mystery process from another viewpoint,” says crime writer Tana French of her latest novel, The Wych Elm. “I’d looked at if from a detective’s point of view six times, and I kept thinking about all the other people who are involved in a murder investigation. You’ve got witnesses, suspects, victims and perpetrators – the whole process has to look very different from their point of view.

I try to present each throughout the book.”

The Wych Elm is French’s first standalone thriller, following the six installments of her acclaimed Dublin Murder Squad series. It is the story of young Dubliner Toby, whose seemingly perfect life unravels when a body is found in a tree on his family property.

The story was inspired by a true-life tale, brought to her attention by her brother.

“It’s all his fault!” she laughs. “He sent me a link to the true story of Bella In The Wych Elm. In 1943, these kids were playing in a woods in England, and found a skull in a hole in a tree-trunk that was part of the skeleton of a young woman. She had been put there about 18 months earlier and nobody was sure how she died. Graffiti has appeared at intervals around the area saying 'Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?' He sent me this with a note that said, ‘This sounds like a Tana French novel’. I didn’t know whether to be flattered or disturbed – but he was right!”

French found the writing process both scary and liberating.

“It was most like writing my first book In The Woods,” she notes, “because in the others, I had already set up the framework of what the Dublin Murder Squad was like: who the State pathologist is, what the hierarchy is. It had a bunch of parameters that I couldn’t really break, but with this one anything went, and that’s very liberating. You’re feeling your way, like it’s your first book again.”

Before starting The Wych Elm, Tana had been exploring the idea that good fortune in life might actually restrict – rather than enhance – our capacity for empathy.

“I was really lucky to have a happy, loving childhood,” she reflects.

“And while that was great, when I was a teenager, if somebody told me about having a really awful childhood, there was a part of me going, ‘Surely it can’t be that bad? They must be exaggerating a bit?’

“Not because I didn’t trust the person, but because it was so far outside my frame of reference, it didn’t seem real to me. When I grew up, I copped on that my reality wasn’t the only one. I started thinking, ‘What if you were lucky in every way? What would that do to your capacity for empathy? And for realising that other people

"I

are living in a very different reality from you?’ So when my brother sent the story, I thought, ‘What if there was a guy like that who has been lucky in every way – until, one day, his luck runs out?’”

Luck – in terms of the class we are born into and its associated privileges – is also under the microscope.

“The resources you have at your disposal make an enormous difference to your life, but also to our expectations,” says Tana.

“There is a part in the book where Toby and a friend, who is working class, get into trouble in school, but are punished differently. Toby, being middle class, walks into every situation assuming it is going to be geared towards him, but his mate who has had to struggle for everything, knows that society is not geared towards him. Because his expectations are different, people pick up on that, so he’s playing life on a very different setting.”

French’s stories have seen her dubbed ‘the queen of Irish crime writing’. The first and second installment of the Dublin Murder Squad series will be coming to BBC One soon, with a cast that includes Killian Scott, Sarah Greene and Tom Vaughan Lawlor.

“I haven’t been part of that, so I have no idea what’s going to come out!” she says. “It’s actually a re-imagining, not a straight adaptation, so I decided against visiting the set – I would just be stressing everybody out. So I said, ‘Listen you guys know what you are doing’.”

Is she worried how her work will fare in the hands of others?

“I used to be an actor, so I know how hard it is to get work,” says French. “So for me, the idea of actors and crew getting work here off something that I initiated is amazing. I love that feeling. They are all great actors, and there are some great people involved, so whatever comes out, I have a feeling it’s going to be good.”

For the moment, French is hard at work on her next thriller.

“It’s another standalone, but it hasn’t taken shape to the point where I can really say anything about it,” she says. “The Wych Elm is very much a doorstop and it’s quite heavy on the introspection, so I’m going in another direction. I have always admired writers who are succinct and tight, and who can do things through action, with little introspection. So I’m trying to write something that is much more compact, where every sentence does its job and has enough weight that you don’t need as many of them. I hate to say this, because I can see myself in a couple of years handing in something that is 150,000 words long going, ‘I know I said it would be short – but this is short by my standards!’”

We’ll still savour every page regardless….

The Wych Elm is out now, published by Viking.

31

FEATURE BUSINESS

Having flirted with them in 2018, JORDAN LARMOUR’s relationship with Irish rugby fans is this year going to develop into a full-blown love affair. Grand Slam triumphs, beating the All Blacks, the Rugby World Cup and, er, Post Malone are all up for discussion as he meets a frankly envious STUART CLARK.

Cook Who’s Talking The enfant terrible of Irish cooking, DYLAN McGRATH, has grown up but there’s still plenty of fire in his belly – and wildly inventive food coming out of his kitchens.

Interview: Stuart Clark PHOTGRAPHY: MIGUEL RUIZ 32

orn on August 4, 1977 in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital, chef Dylan McGrath spent his first six years in Carlow before being transplanted to the Falls Road at the height of The Troubles.

After a brief spell at Portrush Catering College – Dylan admits he’s never been good in a classroom - he learned his chef-ly skills in Belfast’s starred Roscoff restaurant and in London, where he also received plenty of life lessons.

“I’ve seen punches thrown in a kitchen, headbutts and even a stabbing,” he told us when our paths first crossed a few years back.

After further stints in San Sebastian, Vegas and New York, McGrath returned to Dublin, opened Mint and started getting food critics in a right old tizzy with “three or four ingredients – bam, bam, bam!” dishes like Langoustine Ravioli, Braised Pig’s Head & Pumpkin

B

Soup (which was even more glorious than it sounds). A Michelin star followed. And then the recession hit.

Inspired, rather than cowed, by the death of the Celtic Tiger, he subsequently took up residence in Dublin 2 where his Rustic Stone and Fade St. Social restaurants and bars have proved that top-notch food doesn’t have to be excessively pricey or riven with gourmand snobbery. Indeed, everything was going very much according to plan, until in 2014, the former MasterChef Ireland judge was struck by a chronic back condition that ended up requiring major surgery.

“I was screaming at the top of my voice with pain,” Dylan revealed when he went public about what had been keeping him out of the kitchen. “My whole arm was numb. I couldn’t feel one whole side of my body or eat. I thought my life was over.”

Thankfully, that illness is a thing of the past with McGrath cooking up a storm

DYLAN McGRATH

Michael Deane’s EIPIC

(clockwise from top left) Shelbourne Social, Dylan strikes a pose, Michael Deane, an Ox masterpiece & breaking bread in Ballsbridge again in Shelbourne Social, the split-level polished wood and plush leather banquette restaurant that opened before Christmas in Dublin 4. It’s a key component of the Number One Ballsbridge development where you’ll pay around ¤3,300 a month for a two-room apartment and upwards of ¤6,000 for one of the penthouses. Eye-wateringly costly or not, there have been plenty of takers.

Buzz-wise, the restaurant is pure Manhattan, chi-chi but not pretentious, with laughter, conversations and the clinking of glasses the overriding soundtrack. As for the food, well, let’s just say it’s another Dylan classic!

“There’s a brilliant pot of prawns with a corn stock that you mix at the table,” he says running through his current favourites on the menu. “We’re tossing the pappardelle into whole wheels of Parmesan. I’m doing a stew at the minute where we grill the raclette cheese and, again, scrape it into the stew at the table. You just rip up some good chicken we’ve smoked in-house and have it with, maybe, a little side-car of foie gras mashed potatoes. They’re not high-end Michelinpleasing dishes, they’re crowd-pleasers.”

Dylan hasn’t given up the Michelin Star fight, though.

“I’m actually in talks at the minute to do a

small, little restaurant that allows a handful of guys to cook in a specific way,” he reveals “Very high end, you know, sweet breads and truffles.”

Asked how his health is now, McGrath involuntarily winces and says: “I was in a very bad way. I had an operation and my body didn’t heal properly. One side of it was just dead. It’s been a long haul, coming up to three

“I’ve seen punches thrown in a kitchen, headbutts and even a stabbing” years, to get back to some sort of decent health. When I could walk, I was hobbling around with a stick. I couldn’t exercise and put on weight. Fortunately, I was able to rely on the really good people I have around me to keep moving things forward. I was in physio again today. I’m always watching what I eat, which at the moment is a lot of raw fish

and straightforward meat and veg. Nothing past 7.30 at night. As a young person your mentality is that you’re bulletproof. But you’re not.”

With all those twenty-hour days crouched over a hot stove, it’s not surprising that Dylan’s body eventually said “enough!”

“When I was in my twenties, all I did was work,” he recalls. “When I was doing Mint, and before that when I was in London with Tom Aikens, I’d sleep for three or four hours a night. It was relentless. I didn’t stop pushing my body, all day long. I was in the kitchen, not eating properly – which is ironic, I know – and working, working, working. I wasn’t looking after myself very well as a person.”

While too busy running his Dublin empire to contemplate opening up in Belfast, McGrath is a big fan of the city’s burgeoning food culture.

“Some of the people who are making it there are world class,” he enthuses. “I love Ox and we had a lovely meal as well in Michael Deane’s Eipic, which is that 20, 25-cover thing I was talking about. Michael’s a bit like us in that he’s had to create all these different offerings – Meat Locker, Love Fish, Deane’s Deli – to make the overall thing work. He’s the definition of a food hero.”

And so say all of us!

33

FOOD

MAD ABOUT THE SOY The latest dining news from resident foodie Stuart Clark

(clockwise from left) Chan do attitude, Nico’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party & Wit to woo

TULLAMORE THE MERRIER It’s a marriage made in Carlow, Offaly and, indeed, heaven.

O’Hara’s Brewery has teamed up with Tullamore D.E.W. to produce a limited edition Irish Wit beer.

Deliciously malty and a highly sessionable 4% ABV, it’s fabulous with spicy dishes – we’ll never eat a Lamb Saag again without one! – and also offsets the clean saltiness of a Greek salad.

It won’t be hanging around for long, so buy on sight!

If it’s a zero alcohol tipple with taste you’re after, check out Mont Errol’s Original Cold Brew Coffee, a naturally sweet drink with low acidity, which is better for your teeth and your digestive system.

The secret lies in the 16-24 hour cold brewing process, which has already taken the US,

34

Canada and Australia by storm.

Made with much love – and soft Wicklow spring water – in the Sallygap, this has the makings of a smash 2019 hit.

SIX APPEAL The big Belfast restaurant news is that the Glasgowbased Scots-Italian chef, Nico Simeone, is opening Six By Nico in March on Waring Street.

A man who loves to have fun with the food he creates, Simeone will be treating the Cathedral Quarter to a new themed menu every six weeks, with Willie Wonka, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Sicily, Childhood and The Chippie some of the ones he’s already come up with on the other side of the Irish Sea. The six-course experimental feast will be £28 or £53 with paired drinks included.

There’s no launch date yet,

but Snow Patrol-ers Gary Lightbody and Nathan Connolly are plotting a new Mexican eatery with Mourne Seafood man Andy Rea. Located on the Ormeau Road, the Belfast Taco Cartel will dish up the spicy, beany, cheesy treats the lads enjoy when they’re on tour.

THE WRIGHT STUF We’re also counting down the days to the June opening of Michal Wright’s St Andrew’s Food Hall, which is currently being fitted out in Dublin 2.

Housed in an old Suffolk Street church, it’ll be open daily from 8am to 11pm with thirteen food vendors, two coffee kiosks and two bars. There will also be a “rotational kitchen” where guest chefs will come

in and cook for three months.

Taking its inspiration from the likes of London’s Borough Market and Time Out in Lisbon, it’ll be able to seat up to 400 people in the main building, which will retain much of its original 1860s design, and outside garden area.

BOWLED OVER We are loving Bowls By Kwanghi Chan, which can be found at 56 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 and has the best barbecued Char Siu in town. Deliciously creamy egg tarts and the sharp décor add to the experience. We also have a cupboard full of the Donegal chef’s Chan Chan condiments – his Hong Kong Street Sauce with Fermented Black Garlic is outrageously good!

FASHION

JEAN GENIE Roe McDermott guides you through some of the hottest spring trends, including the return of denim.

THE NEW DENIM

O

ur love affair with skinny jeans has been well-documented. But sometimes, even in a loving relationship, you long for the novelty of something new. So in 2019, we’re branching out with our denim. This includes embracing slouchy boyfriend jeans, the all-flattering straight leg jean, and the revived comfort of the Mom jean – but it also means so much more.

Keep an eye out for the various iterations of trouser-style denim hitting the shops this season.

Usually high-waisted, often with sharp tailoring and a slacks-style pleat, these trousers are not jeans – they’re their own unique beast that are cool enough for the weekends, but sophisticated enough for the office. And if you’re brave enough to rock a double-denim look, Dior and Balenciaga were all about headto-toe denim, pairing oversized denim jackets with their jeans.

Embroidered and embellished denim is also set to be huge this year, and rather than going for feminine kitsch like other years, the 2019 trend is all about

edge. Gucci and Vetements showed denim embellished with patches, graffiti motifs, as well as stones and studs. Patchwork was also seen at Proenza Shouler and Stella McCartney, as were dramatically frayed hems. If you don’t want to splash out on some new threads, get out a scissors, some thread, and some oldschool patches and go wild.

Bleached in and even tie-dye washes gave a beachy, lived-in vibe on the catwalks of Isabel Marant, Acne, Alexander Wang and Nobody, so leave the dark and mid-washes in the wardrobe and lighten up this dreary season with some bleached out hues, or even branch out into some soft greys and pinks.

Isabel Marant also showcased another huge denim trend this season: the all-in-one ensemble.

From dungarees to jumpsuits and the classic boilersuit, these effortless statement pieces just require some great jewellery and a killer attitude to elevate them beyond garage wear.

Skinny jeans, we will always love you. But it’s time we see other denim.

Denim jumpsuit, Littlewoods Ireland

High waist grey denim trousers, River Island

Mixed denim jacket, River Island

Denim mini-dress, River Island

Embellished denim jacket, Topshop

Pink denim romper, River Island

Pink denim bustier, River Island

Exaggerated sleeve denim jacket, River Island

36 2

FASHION Star by Julien Macdonald Dress, coming soon to Debenhams

Neon jacket, Penneys

Neon snake-print cami, Penneys

Neon orange top, Penneys

Neon snakeskin print skirt, Penneys

NEON GLOW UP The weather may be dark and dreary, but your wardrobe won’t be! The 2019 Spring catwalks saw several retro trends emerge, including cycling shorts and shoulder pads, but the most noticeable '80s trend was the return of neon. The catwalks of London, New York, Paris and Milan have been showcasing an array of hot pink, flame orange, lime green and bright yellow.

House Of Holland went androgynous with bold neonpalette suits, while Jeremy Scott sent models down the runway in wader-style high-heel boots in blinding hues of lime green and highlighter green. Neon street-style and athleisure was a big trend, as Balenciaga and Tibi featured cotton casuals and cycling shorts. Brandon Maxwell went for a '60s Pan-Am flight attendant vibe, pairing loosefitting, hot-pink mini dresses with matching knee-high boots and Perspex bags. Cushnie saw designer Carly Cushnie embrace her Jamaican roots with flowing maxi-dresses and resortwear in

bold yellows, blues and greens, guaranteeing that everyone’s holiday outfits will be bold and bright this year.

It’s easy to dip your toe in the neon trend, particularly when it comes to sportswear and athleisure. Neon shorts, or even neon sweats with neon piping, will bring a visual punch to your gym gear, but neon cotton tops and tanks are also easy to pair with jeans for a colourful day look. Accessories are also a fantastic way of playing with this trend without going full-on highlighter, as neon earrings, bags and shoes will add an irresistible pop to an otherwise low-key look.

But if you want to be the walking embodiment of all the latest styles, neon animal prints are combining the winter and spring’s most prevalent trends, and are all over the high street.

Dress down with denim or basic black, or go head-to-toe neon for a look that will not be ignored, Dan!

Multi-colour animal jumper, Penneys

Neon pink earrings, Penneys

Neon tassel bag, coming soon to TK Maxx

Neon pink snake-print court heels, New Look

Orange perspex shoes, coming soon to Office

37

LONE STAR STATE OF MIND

Ellie MacLean on the myriad attractions that make Dallas a must-visit destination.

38

ocated in north Texas, the bustling city of Dallas just so happens to be the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in the state. Between an up-andcoming arts district and a well-established tech industry, this southern metropolis has it all, attracting travellers from around the world.

Texas is enormous – the single state is similar in size to the entire country of France, and arguably shares as much character. And although it’s not the most obvious vacation destination, Dallas truly is a gem of a city, perfectly encapsulating the best that Texas has to offer with a wide range of enticing activities.

For instance, if you plan accordingly, you can attend the Texas State Fair (1300 Robert B Cullum Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75210), which begins on the last Friday of September and runs for 24 days. It’s a smorgasbord of all things Texan, from deep-fried oreos to live acrobatics, offering a real sense of the city and its people.

Another must-visit is the building from which John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the Sixth Floor Museum (411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202), which chronicles the events surrounding JFK’s presidency. Also worth checking out is the historic Cowtown Coliseum (121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164) in Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can see the rodeo. Meanwhile, at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy,

L

Dallas, TX 75201), a green space sandwiched between skyscrapers, you can piece together a four-course meal from the food trucks parked along the perimeter. Also recommended is taking a stroll around the neighborhood Deep Ellum (Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX), finding all the hidden and not-sohidden murals painted by local artists.

If you’re into sports, Dallas also has plenty to offer. Between soccer, American football and baseball, there’s always lots of on-field action.

Elsewhere, NASCAR and IndyCar racing take place at the Texas Motor Speedway (3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177), while there’s regular horse racing at Lone Star Park (1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75050).

Dallas – the city where the frozen margarita was invented! – has much to recommend foodies too, with its multicultural population making for a rich culinary mix. Combining traditional southern fare with influences from Asia, Mexico, California and elsewhere, the city’s reputation for delicious and eclectic food is growing all the time. One spot that comes highly recommended is Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck (300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207), located on the 50th floor of the landmark Reunion Tower. The restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a 360 degree of Dallas’ glittering skyline, and an award-winning Asian fusion menu.

Enjoy an array of homemade pastries and other brunch options at Oddfellows (316 W 7th St, Dallas, TX 75208), a bustling coffee-

TRAVEL

Clockwise from left: The Dallas skyline; game night at AT&T Stadium; The Travelling Man of Deep Ellum; Dallas at night; and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel.

“DALLAS TRULY IS A GEM OF A CITY, PERFECTLY ENCAPSULATING THE BEST THAT TEXAS HAS TO OFFER" house and eatery. The authentic street tacos from Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF (1305 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75204), meanwhile, are also not to be missed. And, of course, Pecan Lodge (2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226) is worth a visit, given its status as the most award-winning BBQ in Dallas.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, stop by Ascension Coffee (1621 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75207) for a premium, slow-roasted brew and a high-end café atmosphere. You’ll also feel right at home drinking a pint of Guinness at The Dubliner (2818 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206), a welcoming pub in the middle of Dallas owned and operated by Dubliner Peter Kenny.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed, head to the Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Rd B, Dallas, TX 75214), a laidback bar where you can unwind with a drink and some blissful jazz, played live seven days a week. Or settle in at Times Ten Cellars (6324 Prospect Ave, Dallas, Tx 75214), a wine bar that offers a stylish venue with wines from select vineyards in California, as well as 21 of their own wines, produced at a vineyard in Alpine, Texas.

On the accomodation front, there’s an endless list of places to stay in Dallas, each one boasting its own quirks.

The Joule (1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201) is a swanky, luxury hotel situated downtown, directly across from a 30-foot-tall sculpture of an eyeball. The Statler (1914 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201) is a hip, upscale affair located in a historic downtown building.

Omni Dallas (555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202), meanwhile, is a modern, sophisticated hotel with an infinity pool and rooftop terrace that can’t be beat.

When it comes to getting there, Dallas has two airports, with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport serving as the primary centre for travel. It’s the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered near the airport.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Dallas from Ireland. However, bookings with Lufthansa can get you there via Newark, Chicago or Frankfurt.

Once landed, a car is pretty much necessary to get around outside of the city. Within the city, on the other hand, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (shortened to – yes!

– DART) system is pretty reliable. It includes an extensive light-rail system that connects downtown with outlying areas, and tickets can be purchased at each rail stop.

Like everywhere else in the United States, English is the official language. But Dallas is a particularly diverse city, and more than 230 languages are spoken in North Texas, with 42 percent of Dallas County households using a language other than English. Notably, given the shared border with Mexico, hearing some Spanish while in Texas is inevitable.

Finally, the end of summer through autumn is the ideal time to visit – the painfully hot days have passed, but it’s not yet cold enough to merit a jacket. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll surely find yourself captivated by this charming city.

39

E N T E R | TA I N

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

The excellent second release from Irish sensations, Picture This, is among the highlights in our round-up of the best new albums.

PICTURE THIS

THE GLOAMING

UNLOVED

ROSIE CARNEY

PICTURE THIS MDRN LV (Republic Records) It’s fair to say there aren’t many – if any – Irish artists of the modern era, who’ve made such extraordinary strides so quickly as Picture This.

On their sophomore album MDRN LV, there are some interesting new sounds but Picture This smartly rely on what made them a sensation to begin with – big catchy hooks wrapped around relatable lyrics and delivered with a great melodic instinct. The record is a treasure chest of hits waiting to happen.

Opener ‘Modern Love’ sets their stall out strongly, as it marries ’80s pop with bleeding edge, 21st century production.

It’s swiftly followed by the crowd-pleasing ballad ‘If You Wanna Be Loved’, which boasts a killer hook. ‘Nevada’, meanwhile, is a ready-made anthem: it’s the kind of song Gary Lightbody would’ve written had he grown up listening to Justin Timberlake, rather than Sebadoh.

Elsewhere, Picture This flirt with country on ‘Someone To Hold’, a duet with Aussie songstress Cxloe that could help them crack the American market. A rallying cry against the often-fake world of social media, ‘Life Of The Party’ is perhaps the group’s best song to date.

In conclusion: take that, difficult second album syndrome! This one’s a winner.

ROSIE CARNEY Bare (Akira Records) As a much-touted, muchstreamed, and much-loved artist, Donegal's Rosie Carney is a powerful voice in Irish music. Her debut album Bare is sparse, there’s rarely more than an acoustic guitar and piano at work – warmth and intimacy are an ever-present.

40

On opening track, ‘What You’ve Been Looking For’, you can hear every intake of Rosie’s breath between the lines; you hang on every word as she whispers conspiratorially in your ear. And on the standout title track, her voice works through tones of disillusionment, confusion and resilience, all in a matter of minutes.

Elsewhere, her duet with Lisa Hannigan on ‘Thousand’ finds Rosie’s unique voice amplified by another one of Ireland’s finest, while ‘Humans’ feels folksy in a Joni Mitchell kind of way.

The most beguiling aspect is the lyrical approach: Carney’s words don’t always rhyme, but they are deeply affecting. Take the haiku-style lines in ‘Zoey’: “The sky is auburn red/ I placed my heart within the worlds/ That we have made.” It’s beautiful and poetic – like Bare as a whole.

THE GLOAMING The Gloaming 3 (Real World Records) This is very special. It’s almost hard to classify. It’s traditional Irish music, but there are elements of the type of minimalism that one might associate with Erik Satie of The Gymnopédies.

The piano of Thomas Bartlett, alongside the subtle, expressive guitar of Dennis Cahill, lays the ground upon which the fiddles of Martin Hayes and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh are given room to dance around each other. The interplay between them is majestic, especially on the half-remembered dream from the cusp of wakefulness that is ‘The Lobster’, and the joyous ‘The Old Road To Garry’.

I curse the stupid young lad I was for turning my back on my native language, and wish I had the learning equal to the task of deciphering a track like ‘Áthas’ (meaning joy). The notes tell me that both ‘Méachan Rudai’ and ‘Amhrán na nGleann’,

which open and close this astounding record, are meditations on death. However, it’s possible to glean that from the soul and timbre of Iarla Ó Lionáird’s voice unaided – these are messages sent back from the place beyond language.

The Gloaming 3 is sparser than the previous two records, but even more beautiful. Ó Lionáird has spoken of allowing “the music to breathe into a more mantric and transcendent space”. That’s the word I was grasping for, in vain. Transcendent. This is a very special record.

UNLOVED Heartbreak (Heavenly Recordings) David Holmes’ latest project is a noir-ish retro collaboration with singer Jade Vincent and producer Keith Ciancia.

The ghosts of confessional pop past hang heavy over Heartbreak – a dusky travelogue splicing the Instagram-pop quality of Lana Del Rey with Belfast-native Holmes’ sophisticated beats and peerless studio chops.

This really is the best sort of time-capsule – by turns a swirling collision of David Lynch and Phil Spector (the title track is crying out to be played at Twin Peaks’ Bang Bang Cafe) and Tarantino-esque vintage pop (‘Love’, ‘Bill’). True, there is an element here of homage. But anyone who was thrilled by Unloved’s contributions to the soundtrack to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Killing Eve will already know that originality isn’t the only criterion by which great music should be judged.

Building on the ethereal ache of Holmes’ 2008 Holy Pictures album and his movie score work for Steven Soderbergh, Unloved’s second album is an ever-unfurling mystery, at once a tapestry of faded glamour and a rollicking old-school rock fandango.

E N T E R | TA I N

WOOLF AT THE DOOR

An apocalyptic novel for the Internet Age, a heart-breaking, yet heart-warming, new Irish novel, and compelling Troubles story set in Derry are all on the cards as we look at 2019’s must-reads.

SEVERANCE Ling Ma (Macmillan)

Though it wears the thin disguise of an apocalyptic novel, Ling Ma’s debut is really one of modern identity and its ultimate futility.

Shen Fever takes hold of the world, reducing its victims to shuffling shadows of their former selves, endlessly repeating mundane tasks. Candace Chen decides to remain in her thankless publishing job long after most of New York is abandoned. Her boyfriend, protesting against the hopelessness of the gig economy, is already gone, but Chen finds it difficult to abandon this part of herself. The narrative switches between the present and the story of her immigrant parents and her mother’s difficult search for identity.

When Chen finally leaves the city, she falls in with a group headed – in a nod to George Romero – for refuge in a Chicago mall, the reason being the group’s leader, Bob, grew up there. The group’s past professional lives all prove useless in the new world; they google survival tips until the internet falls. This coupled with Chen’s behaviour suggests the shuffling shadows were already there before the disease hit. A timely examination of immigration, dislocation, and desperation.

WHEN ALL IS SAID Anne Griffin (Hodder & Stoughton)

Anne Griffin’s debut novel tells the story of Maurice Hannigan, a rich 84-year-old man who spends an evening in the Rainsford House Hotel in County Meath, reflecting on his life.

Over the course of five toasts, and five anecdotes – each related to an important person in his life – Maurice weighs up his own character against that of the people he’s loved, trusted, slighted or abandoned. Told in stark, unadorned detail, Griffin’s story is one of sins and the possibility of forgiveness. It’s a sweeping tale, vividly recounted, with more than enough emotional impact to leave you completely in tears. A fine debut from a writer of searing potential and with an impressive ear for character and setting.

MUSIC LOVE DRUGS WAR (Penguin)

Geraldine Quigley was working 10 hour shifts in a call centre for minimum wage, before a Penguin writer’s programme allowed her to pen her first novel, Music Love Drugs War. A coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1981 in Derry – where a wave of anger caused by the hunger strikes was seeping into friendship

and family life – Geraldine Quigley’s debut novel is as devastating as it is vividly realised.

The book is reminiscent of This Is England in the way it documents the styles and music of the time, as well as its portrayal of how youthful romanticism can slide into violence and extremism.

S TA R O F T H E N O R T H Lawrence Wright (Vintage) Dr. Jenna Williams joins the CIA in order to track down her sister who has been kidnapped by the North Korean government. That opening should be enough to make you want to read this cracking thriller on its own, but you can add to that some genuine insight into the regime under Kim Jong-il (the book is set before his death in 2011), brought to chilling life by well-drawn characters suffering above the 38th parallel.

Hardly surprising given the fact DB John previously co-authored a book with a Korean escapee.

Mrs Moon is a peasant desperately trying to survive and attempts a form of capitalism against the odds. Lieutenant Cho is a government insider facing trouble from the past. By the time you reach the gripping finale – and discover aghast in the author’s notes that incidents in the book are based on fact – any doubts that North Korea is perhaps the most scary cuckoo bananas place on earth have been very firmly quashed.

41

NO NEED TO GET OUT

E N T E R | TA I N

Given the cold and dreary weather, it’s the perfect time to cosy up inside with something dark and dramatic – and luckily Netflix is loaded up with fascinating dramas, unnerving horrors and intriguing sci-fi films just waiting to keep you on the edge of your seat. Roe McDermott picks out the best of Netflix’s latest additions, including two superb Irish films that you need to see.

THE CURED

by Peele, the film is rich with symbolism, satire and clever cultural nods. The performances are incredible, elevating the intricate, intelligent and darkly funny writing. He has created a new genre, that of real social horror, and it’s biting and terrifying all at once.

David Freyne’s intelligent and engaging film immerses us in a society grappling with the aftermath of the Maze Virus, which transformed thousands of people into zombified killing machines.

A cure has been successful in 75% of cases, and Ireland is now in the third wave of reintegrating the Cured back into society. But this isn’t easy, for anyone. The Cured remember everything they did while infected and so do the rest of society, who cannot forgive them, and treat them as subhuman. The tension between uninfected society and the Cured reaches a boiling point when a Conor (Tom Vaughan Lawlor) begins leading a rebel faction of the Cured, encouraging violent attacks against the authorities. Caught in the middle is Senan (a beautifully sensitive Sam Keeley), a Cured man who is tormented by what he did during his four years of infection, but who also shares a unique bond with Conor. Freyne’s film is layered with smart details and open to multiple interpretations, involving immigration, terrorism, Trump, and Ireland’s own history of conflict. But his characters also feel real and authentically conflicted, evoking empathy on all sides. Tense and fascinating.

20TH CENTURY WOMAN Set in 1979, when second wave feminism was becoming mainstream, three women of different ages are grappling with gender, power and connection. Annette Benning is sensational as Dorothea, a 50-something single mother whose parenting philosophy is overprotective in a way unique to the bohemian bourgeoisie. Resistant to discipline but paranoid about the lack of a father figure in her teen son Jamie’s life, Dorothea entreats her tenants - sensitive 20-something photographer Abbie (Greta Gerwig), womanizing woodworking hippie William (Billy Crudup) - and Jamie’s precocious best friend Julie (Elle Fanning) to spiritually guide him through male adolescence.

The misguided tactic is only accidentally successful. The three women are beautifully situated in time. Abbie finds an outlet for her alienation in the punk scene, where Talking Heads and Black Flag fans are at war. The new availability of contraception allows Julie to have sexual experiences, but they’re far from empowering. Characters loan each other Our Bodies Ourselves, and references to 70s psychology litter witty conversations defined by disaffection. A witty dramedy.

MICHAEL INSIDE Class, masculinity, violence and incarceration are all in for empathetic and emotive examination in Michael Inside, Frank Berry’s engrossing drama. Starring newcomer Dafhyd Flynn as naïve 18 year old Michael, the film’s power lies in its realism.

Extensively researched and workshopped with the Irish prison rehabilitation service Pathways, Michael Inside charts how easily hopelessness, poverty and prejudice can create a pipeline leading young men into prison. Berry’s film isn’t making excuses – it’s clear that Flynn’s wide-eyed but monosyllabic Michael has made some bad choices that led to his three month sentence.

But he is vulnerable, and afraid. Sneaking into his grandfather Francis’ room the night before entering the prison, Michael sits on the bed, his voice quiet and cracking. “I won’t make it.” The question becomes, how does anyone?

As Michael faces threats and intimidation from another prisoner inside (Moe Dunford), Francis (Lalor Roddy, heartbreaking) is also being targeted outside from loan-sharks.

As we slowly learn more about Michael and Francis and the danger facing both of them heightens, the emotional tension will leave you breathless. Stunningly acted, never didactic and yet provoking endless important questions, Michael Inside is a portrait of a damaged system, and the boys we lose to it.

GET OUT Jordan Peele’s directorial debut has already made history, becoming the first Black filmmaker to ever make over $100 million

42

A R R I VA L

( From the top) : The Cured , Michael Inside and Arrival domestically. Get Out is also the highestgrossing debut with an original screenplay in cinematic history – and deservedly so.

A vicious satire on racism in America, Get Out stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, a young Black man in a burgeoning relationship with Rose (Allison Williams), on a weekend trip to meet her family. She comes from a wealthy, liberal family that whose “wokeness” fills them with self-satisfaction; they love telling Black people how much they love Obama.

But microaggressions and awkward posturing aside, all seems fine – until Chris starts noticing how the few Black people who work in and visit the house are all acting strangely.

When a Black party guest seems to have a breakdown and tells Chris to get out and save himself, Chris doesn’t listen – but soon wishes he had. Using the form of a psychological horror to dive into historical and modern iterations of racism, Get Out is entertaining and devastating at once. Impeccably crafted

An intelligent and soulful exploration of communication and tolerance, Denis Villeneuve’s film wastes no time thrusting us into a panicked world. Multiple spacecrafts have landed around the globe, and the intentions of the extra-terrestrial beings are unknown. With China and Russia ready to launch military attacks, world leaders and citizens alike are at their most fearful, aggressive and unsure. Linguist expert Amy Adams is thrust into this mess, to try to understand the aliens’ language.

Recovering from a deep personal loss, she’s initially unwilling. But as she clearly explains the complexities of communication, and the nuance of expressing empathy, purpose, or motivation, it’s clear that she is the only one who can help. The brilliant screenplay illustrates how language and communication is used often by characters to exert control, rather than to communicate.

From screens and hazmat suits, to faces trying to conceal their emotions, we all hide from one another. Adams’ acting is masterful; strong and raw and vulnerable, a beating heart in the bloody mess of humanity’s fear.

It’s a powerhouse performance in a stunning film that transcends genre to become art, likewise encouraging us to transcend our limitations and become better.

Enjoy a relaxing Railbreak... ...with

NIR Travel is Northern Ireland’s leading operator of short break holidays by rail. Our ready-made packages make it easy to take a trip to both Dublin and Northern Ireland; all our breaks are inclusive of rail travel on the Enterprise with an excellent choice of hotels on offer- ranging from 3* to 5* to suit all budgets. This is just a small selection of the fantastic hotel breaks we have on offer.

For further information visit: www.translink.co.uk/nirtravel and browse online for the hotel and then simply complete the online booking form.

Alternatively call NIR Travel direct on 028 9033 7004 or pop in to the Translink Travel Centre, Glengall Street, Belfast.

DUBLIN THEATRE BREAKS

MIDWEEK DEALS 2019

Warhorse

from £109pps Harcourt Hotel Royal Hotel, Bray from £165pps

Midweek/Weekends

10 Apr - 27 Apr

The King & I

21 May - 01 Jun

Dirty Dancing 24 Jun - 29 Jun

£189/ £195

£195/ £215

DAY EXPERIENCES

£195/ £215

Rail & Hop-On Hop-off Bus Tour Includes Walking Tour £55pp

Rocky Horror Show

£205/ £225

Annie

£195/ £225

Bodyguard

£195/ £215

• All rates are per person sharing / single room supplements will apply.

• All offers are subject to availability and T&Cs and are subject to change.

• Any complimentary 1st Plus upgrade will be subject to availability • Not all dates can be offered (peak events)

09 Jul - 20 Jul 07 Aug - 17 Aug

Grease

£205 / £215

Joseph

£195 / £215

We Will Rock You

£195 / £215

17 Sep- 28 Sep 08 Oct - 12 Oct 28 Oct - 02 Nov

Dublin

Derry - Londonderry

Rail & Afternoon Tea @ The Maldron Hotel

£29

NORTHERN IRELAND BREAKS

01 Jul - 06 Jul

• All breaks include return rail travel from any NIRailways station.

2 nights B & B + 1 Dinner

Theatre Break includes:

Grand Canal Hotel Return Rail (1st Plus) Pre-show dinner Overnight with breakfast Show ticket

Belfast - 1 night B & B from Europa Hotel from Grand Central from Holiday Inn from Hampton by Hilton from Jurys lnn

£95pps £115pps £65pps £70pps £75pps

Outside Belfast - 1 night B & B from £55pps from £65pps

Atlantic Hotel, Portrush Marine Court, Bangor City Hotel, DerryLondonderry Everglades, DerryLondonderry

from £65pps from £65pps

Call us now on

028 9033 7004

or visit www.translink.co.uk/travelcentre *All prices correct at time of publication

ATTR AC TIO N S ROY HEWSON

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND

DUBLIN DUBLIN CASTLE Dame Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 645 8813 dublincastle.ie Dating from the early 13th century, Dublin Castle was originally built on the site of a Viking Settlement as a defensive fortification, and for centuries served as the headquarters for British administration in Ireland.

Following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government and continues to be a major government complex, in addition to a must-see tourist destination. Visitors can experience the castle’s rich history through the ornate bedrooms, dining rooms, picture gallery and drawing rooms, with tours running daily. The complex is also home to the beautiful Chester Beatty Library, housing a collection of rare books.

EPIC – THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM The CHQ building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 906 0861 epicchq.com One of the newest major attractions in Dublin, EPIC tells the unforgettable story of the 10 million Irish people

44

who left their homeland over the centuries – and how they influenced and shaped the world. The interactive galleries make this family-friendly experience an essential destination for everyone with an interest in Ireland’s people, culture and history.

The museum also houses the Irish Family History Centre, with experts helping visitors uncover their Irish roots. Shortlisted for European Museum of the Year 2018 and included in the Top 5 Irish Museums on TripAdvisor, EPIC is open from 10am to 6.45pm daily (last entry 5pm).

GLASNEVIN CEMETERY TOURS Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel: (01) 882 6500, glasnevinmuseum.ie The largest non-denominational cemetery in Ireland, Glasnevin is the resting place of some of the most famous figures in Irish history.

Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins and Eamonn DeValera are buried here, next to well-known artists such as Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly and Christy Brown.

The hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery covers 124 acres of glorious parkland. Guided tours

of the cemetery and museum are available daily, with each guide passionate about telling the stories of Ireland’s complex and fascinating history. The tour of Glasnevin Cemetery, aptly named ‘Dead Interesting’, gives a fascinating view of the heritage in Ireland’s largest cemetery.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 661 5133 Nationalgallery.ie First opening its doors in 1864, the National Gallery of Ireland is located in the heart of Dublin city centre and holds the largest collection of European and Irish fine art. The collection numbers 2,500 paintings and approximately 10,000 other works in different media including watercolours, drawings, prints and sculpture. Fully refurbished in 2017, the gallery reopened a huge selection of previously closed wings. With every major European school of painting represented in the gallery, highlights include The Meeting On The Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton, in addition to a wing dedicated to JB Yeats.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND 78 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 603 0200 nli.ie Boasting one of the most complete archives of Irish documents in the world – including collections of Irish literary greats such as Roddy Doyle, Seamus Heaney, James Joyce, Colm Tóibín and WB Yeats – one could spend hours in this literary sanctum. Dedicated to preserving, collecting and sharing documents and records that tell the story of Irish life, the Library is free to enter. It also offers free exhibitions, tours and workshops for people of all ages. In addition, the acclaimed WB Yeats Exhibition is housed here. An immersive experience, it is layered with original texts by the writer, drawings and paintings, as well as recorded poems and commentaries by experts.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Dublin & Belfast

ULSTER MUSEUM

CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL

BELFAST BELFAST CATHEDRAL The Cathedral Church Of St. Anne, Donegall Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9032 8332 belfastcathedral.org One of Belfast’s most magnificent buildings, the Cathedral Church of St Anne is situated in the heart of the bustling Cathedral Quarter. Dedicated in 1904, there is much to explore within its walls, including mosaics by the Martin sisters, sculptures by Rosamond Praeger, the handcrafted Titanic Pall made in memory of the ship’s victims, and stunning stained glass windows. The Cathedral also has an amazing choir, and holds Choral Evensong every Monday to Friday during term-time, with Choral Services on Sundays at 11am and 3.30pm. Visitors and believers alike are welcome to step in and explore the building and stay to experience the spiritual impact of the Evensong.

BOTANIC GARDENS College Park, Botanic Avenue Tel: (028) 9031 4762 Visitbelfast.com Occupying 28 acres, the Botanic Gardens are a must-see attraction for all lovers of the outdoors. This lush public space opened in 1828

as a private park run by the Royal Belfast Botanical Gardens and attracted thousands of visitors per day. Today, the gardens, which feature two stunning Victorian conservatories – the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine – are fully open to the public. A number of notable concerts have also taken place amongst the gorgeous scenery from the likes of U2, The Kings of Leon and Snow Patrol.

BLACK TAXI TOURS Tel: (028) 9064 2264 belfasttours.com A great way to soak up the history of Belfast is to take a tour in a classic black taxi. Out of the chaos of the Troubles came some of Belfast’s most recognisable landmarks: its murals. The 90-minute taxi ride will take you from east to west and north to south, taking in both sides of the community and how they depicted the conflict through amazingly detailed murals. All of the drivers have their own lived experience and are always willing to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

TITANIC BELFAST 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast Tel: (028) 9076 6386 titanicbelfast.com “It’s really quite phenomenal. It’s a magnificent, dramatic building, the biggest Titanic exhibit in the world,” enthuses Titanic film director James Cameron, and we’re not about to disagree with him. The Titanic Belfast is an unforgettable experience and since opening, thousands of visitors have thronged to the centre to learn about the history of the world’s most famous shipping disaster. Voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the 2016 World Travel Awards in the Maldives, an honour comparable to an Oscar in the world of tourism, Titanic Belfast is open to the public daily from 10am-5pm.

DINE AROUND DEANES 537 Lisburn Road, Belfast Tel: (028) 9066 3108 michaeldeane.co.uk/dine-arounddeanes Dine Around Deanes is a unique opportunity to sample the delights of Belfast’s most famous restaurant by visiting each of its four locations throughout the city. Beginning at

Deanes and Decano, in the heart of the city centre, you will be ferried around the city in Deanes’ own double decker bus, stopping at each location for a different course – including a stop at the Michelinstar Deanes at Howard Street – and learning about the city’s cuisine along the way. Book early as tickets get snapped up fast!

CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast Tel: (028) 9074 1500 The Crumlin Road Gaol is a 19th century Grade A listed jail and the only Victorian prison left in Northern Ireland. Much like Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, its story is synonymous with the history of Belfast, and some notable historical figures have passed through its walls, including Eamonn DeValera and Martin McGuinness. The tour of the Gaol allows access to all areas, including the underground tunnel which links to the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road, the hanging cell, the Governor’s office, the hospital and the graveyard.

45

RESTAURANTS

DINING OUT

Dublin & Belfast CONOR HEAVEY

OX, BELFAST

YAMAMORI SUSHI, DUBLIN

DUBLIN THE WINDING STAIR 40 Lower Ormond Quay, North City, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 872 7320 winding-stair.com For a wholesome Irish restaurant overlooking the River Liffey, complete with a downstairs bookshop, look no further than the Winding Stair. Dishes showcase the finest Irish ingredients by focusing on old-fashioned home cooking and no-fuss recipes. Named after Yeats’ poem, the Winding Stair combines fine cuisine with literary delights, with two floors connected by an 18th century staircase. After treating yourself to a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner, be sure to wander down and peruse the vast selection of books on offer.

FADE STREET SOCIAL 6 Fade Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 604 0066, fadestreetsocial.com Fade Street Social is one of Dublin’s hippest eateries – and for good reason. It’s a meeting place, restaurant, tapas bar and cocktail winter garden, with each constituent part sitting effortlessly alongside the others; each attracts its own crowd and projects its own vibe. The restaurant offers homegrown produce assembled into simple dishes packed with flavour. The gastro bar, meanwhile, allows you to delve into the sharing menu, choosing bite-size, tapas-style taste bursts.

46

BELFAST YAMAMORI NOODLES/ IZAKAYA/ SUSHI 71 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 475 5001/ 12 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 645 8001/ 38 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 872 0003 yamamori.ie A Mecca for Japanese food fans for over 20 years, these three, striking restaurants are renowned for their quality food and drinks. The superfresh sushi, norimaki, temaki and sashimi with the Chef’s Selections are always a good bet when you’re in Yamamori Sushi, while the upstairs Tengu Bar is one of the best places to find yourself on a night out. Elsewhere, the wok fried noodle, ramen, grilled and hot fish dishes are also superbly executed in Yamamori Noodles, with Haddock Tempura, Cha Han and Tatsuta Age among the generous house specials.

But perhaps the most unique prospect is Yamamori Izakaya, with its delightful Victorian setting, great food, and jaw-dropping whiskey and sake selection. Try the Nigiri Platter and Dassai wine if you’re feeling adventurous.

THE MUDDLERS CLUB, 1 Warehouse Lane. Belfast.

Tel: (028) 9031 3199 themuddlersclubbelfast.com Named after the 200-year-old secret society that used to gather there, the Muddlers Club is tucked away in the historic backstreets of Cathedral Corner. What’s no secret is the success of the venue, having won the award for Best Restaurant in Ulster at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2018. The Michelin-rated venue has an open kitchen providing a sense of theatre to the dining experience, allowing customers to watch as local ingredients are transformed into delicious dishes. It also stocks an enticing selection of wines, beers and spirits to complement the mouthwatering food.

DEANES LOVE FISH 28-40 Howard Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9033 1134 michaeldeane.co.uk A 100-seater addition to the Deanes family, Love Fish offers one of the best lunch deals in town with a range of £6.50 Lunch Specials – the Prawn Open Sandwich with Fries gets the Enterprise vote! The nighttime fare is just as exciting with the Crispy Fillet of Seabass with Garlic Butter, Fries & Salad a delicately flavoured treat. With burgers, perfectly cooked 8oz Sirloins, and some thoroughly decadent desserts this is a great

place for delicious food without the fuss. The room is bright and modern, with lots of polished wood and chalked up Daily Specials.

OX 1 Oxford Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9031 4121, oxbelfast.com Looking out on the River Lagan, this Michelin starred eatery seats just 40, which makes for a wonderfully intimate dining experience. The £50 Seasonal Tasting Menu – £80 with paired wines – is extraordinarily good value and lets you experience the full scope of chef Stephen Toman’s culinary imagination. He’s a firm believer in nose to tail eating, which means lots of alternative cuts of meat. They also push the envelope in terms of the fish and veggie dishes they serve. The diverse drinks selection includes locally microwbrewed beers, and the new wave of gins you rarely find elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

More casual dining is available in the next-door OX Cave.

BAR

LIQUID REFRESHMENT

Sale of the century: Titanic Belfast

P MAC'S, DUBLIN

DUBLIN THOMAS HOUSE 86 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 Tel: (085) 203 9047 facebook.com/thomashousedublin If it's big name artists in a unique and unusual setting that you like, Thomas House is the place for you.

A favourite haunt of the Queen Of Rockabilly herself, Imelda May, it regularly hosts acts that specialise in everything from punk to oldfashioned R&B. Independently owned and run by two local promoters and DJs, it carries a fantastic range of pints and has DJs every night of the week.

IDLEWILD 14 Fade St, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 253 0593 Idlewilddublin.com Inspired by the affair between JFK and Marilyn Monroe, this cosy bar in Dublin’s creative quarter has a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for a date spot or a low-key night out.

The plush green velvet sofas in the back of the bar make a stunning centrepiece, and the bar also boasts a beautiful interior and friendly staff.

Stocking a great range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails in a laidback setting, IdleWild's intimate vibe provides a true throwback to exquisite '50s style.

ALBERT BRIDGE

Dublin & Belfast

THE CROWN LIQUOR SALOON, BELFAST

BELFAST THE BLACK SHEEP 61 Capel Street, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 873 0013 galwaybaybrewery.com/blacksheep Affectionately known as ‘The People’s Pub’, The Black Sheep is conveniently located at the corner of Capel Street and Parnell Street.

Featuring an eye-popping range of craft beers and spirits, you’ll be able to go back time and again and try something new on each occasion.

The Black Sheep also serves food from noon up until ten in the evening, with succulent steaks and mouth-watering wings among the highlights. Great as an after-work spot, or as a pre/post-cinema location, you’ll find yourself at home here on both weekdays and weekends.

P. MAC’S 30 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 405 3653 facebook.com/pmacspub Less than five years after opening its doors, P. Mac’s has established itself as a beloved mainstay of the city centre. Lined with dusty tomes, quirky decorations and a mish-mash of furniture, a massively impressive musical selection complements the vast array of craft beers on offer alongside reliable favourites. Equally suited to a postwork catch-up or a lively session later on, this stylish spot is rarely

KELLY’S CELLARS 30-32 Bank Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9024 6058 Kellyscellars.com Famed as Belfast’s oldest traditional Irish pub, Kelly’s Cellars is an intimate venue full of character.

The best place to grab a pint without any fuss or pretension, Kelly’s oozes rustic charm. Grab a seat by the bar or in one of the cosy corners and prepare for a night of laughs, stories and entertainment. With a rich history of Irish traditional music, if you’re wise enough to go on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening during one of their trad sessions, you’ll be treated to the enchanting sounds of superb musicians from all over the country.

THE SPANIARD 3 Skipper St, Belfast Tel: (028) 9023 2448, thespaniardbar.com Tucked away in the Cathedral Quarter, there’s a chance you could pass this gem without even realising; we can’t stress what a mistake that would be. Combining a traditional feel with flavours of Iberia and good old-fashioned rock’n’roll, it boasts a flabbergasting array of rums and an unbeatable atmosphere, ensuring there’s never a quiet night. Keep your eyes peeled for a familiar face or two, as the likes of Bill Murray and Sean Bean have been known to pop by when in town.

THE CROWN LIQUOR SALOON 46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9024 3187 nicholsonpubs.co.uk All tourists travelling into Belfast, take note: when leaving the Europe Bus Centre, keep your eyes firmly fixed in front of you, and you’ll gaze upon the essential tourist spot to start your journey. Boasting stunning Victorian architecture, The Crown Bar is one of Belfast’s best-known bars. Thanks to its cosy snug, great pints and brilliant atmosphere, you can’t go wrong here.

47

SHOPPING

BEAUTIFUL BUYS

Dublin & Belfast MIGUEL RUIZ

BELFAST PRINT WORKSHOP

FOLKSTER, DUBLIN

DUBLIN INDUSTRY & CO DUBLIN 41 A/B Drury St, Dublin 2 (01) 613 9111 industryandco.com Located just off Grafton Street, Industry has been a welcome addition to Dublin’s design scene since 2010, when it started out as a small boutique. Since then it has expanded to become one of the capital's best-known lifestyle stores, housing both Irish and international products. The award-winning Industry & Co stock everything from plants to cutlery and furniture. As you peruse, be sure to stop by the café for some healthy, freshly made soups, salads and cakes.

& OTHER STORIES 26-27 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 247 0100 stories.com A relatively new addition to Ireland’s fashion scene, & Other Stories opened its Grafton Street store in 2016, and has already built up an adoring fanbase of fashionistas. A part of the Swedish H&M family along with COS, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday, & Other Stories features simple, welltailored pieces. They stock classics like jeans, t-shirts and jumpers, as well as on-trend pieces and a great selection of beauty products, jewellery and handbags.

48

BELFAST COVET Powerscourt Centre, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 679 9313 covet.ie Described as a store that provides ‘luxurious lends’, Covet will make you feel as if you’re on your way to the Oscars. With dresses to rent from Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka and Rachel Gilbert, they will also style your hair and make-up for a big night out. You can even borrow a pair of Christian Louboutins to match your outfit.

FOLKSTER 9 Eustace Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (056) 770 3312 folkster.com An affordable, street style-inspired vintage store, Folkster sells everything from uber-glamorous sequin dresses to rough and ready military jackets. Dublin’s Folkster was initially meant to be a pop-up, but its eclectic boutique blend of vintage, contemporary fashion, and interiors has captured many hearts.

With stunning costume jewellery, delightful flapper designs and a beautiful bridal section, as well as modern pieces, each handpicked by the owners, we can’t get enough of this gorgeous fashion chest.

BELFAST PRINT WORKSHOP Cotton Court, 30-42 Waring Street (028) 90 231 323 bpw.org.uk Located in the city’s Cathedral Quarter, the Belfast Print Workshop is a playground for artists. At present over 100 artists are involved in the company, rekindling a passion for printmaking. The public can visit the workshop to browse, pick up some prints or book one of the courses available and learn the craft.

PEEL FASHION 107 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: (028) 9045 2665 peel.fashion.com Spread across three floors, Peel is a mini-department clothing store, stocking collections from fashion capitals such as London, Milan, Paris and LA. Covering everything including edgy, sophisticated, fun and affordable, this is a one-stop shop for fashionistas. In addition to clothes, they have a wide range of accessories and jewellery to complement any style.

ST GEORGES MARKET 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast Tel: (028) 9024 6609 If it’s atmosphere you’re after, look no further than this indoor

market known for its selection of beautifully crafted goods and mouthwatering street food stalls.

St. Georges is particularly brought to life by a live band strumming in the awe-inspiring surrounds and it’s local independent retailers.

The last surviving Victorian covered market is open for only three days a week, Friday - Sunday so be sure to plan accordingly.

NO ALIBIS 83 Botanic Avenue, Belfast Tel: (028) 9031 9601 noalibis.com Perhaps the most loved independent bookstore in Belfast, No Alibis has gained a reputation for its support of local, emerging writers in Northern Ireland, as well as for being a haven to students of Queen's University Belfast. No Alibis is best known for its vast selection of crime fiction and has received the seal of approval from authors over the years, including new writer Steve Cavanagh and Colin Bateman who immortalise the bookstore in his thriller Mystery Man.

ACCOMMODATION

STAYING OVER

Dublin & Belfast

THE CLARENCE, DUBLIN

DUBLIN THE CLARENCE 6–8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 407 0800 theclarence.ie Located on Wellington Quay, the Clarence was one of Dublin’s first boutique hotels. All the furnishing has been designed and crafted

by Irish artisans, including the comfortable super kingsize beds.

The Octagon bar is not to be missed – the art deco-style watering hole so impressed Bono and The Edge they decided to buy the entire hotel. Equally impressive is the Liquor Rooms, a basement venue dedicated to cocktails; perfect to unwind in after a long day.

THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Simmonscourt road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: (01) 665-4000 intercontinentaldublin.ie Minutes away from Dublin’s city centre, the award winning Intercontinental hotel sits on two acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of Ballsbridge. This five-star hotel is just steps from the historic RDS and central to locations such as the Aviva Stadium and the 3Arena. Formerly owned by the Four Seasons, the InterContinental has retained all of the style and elegance of its predecessor, offering travellers a tranquil retreat.

With afternoon tea, bottomless brunch, a whiskey bar and the iconic Seasons Restaurant, the Intercontinental boasts a fine array of dinning options sure to cater for any palette.

HILTON, BELFAST

BELFAST BROOKS HOTEL 62 Drury St, Dublin 2 (01) 670 4000 brookshotel.ie Brooks Hotel is a distinctive, luxury four-star boutique hotel in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, a short walk from Grafton Street. Enjoy modern Irish and international cuisine at Francesca’s Restaurant, a favourite of the critics, where Head Chef Pat McLarnon serves dishes created from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh herbs from the Brook’s very own ‘urban herb garden’. Elsewhere, you can also visit Jasmine Bar at Brooks, an award-winning Great Whiskey Bar of the World with over 100 different varieties on offer. Bedrooms are well appointed and spacious with quirky designs. The hotel also boasts an oak-panelled Residents Lounge, a private cinema room and a fitness suite.

THE WESTBURY HOTEL Balfe Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 679 1122 doylecollection.com Dublin hotels don’t get more central than The Westbury, an opulent five-star hotel overlooking Grafton Street’s buzzing shopping hub. Among its renowned attractions are the grand piano on The Terrace, a popular firstfloor meeting place for afternoon tea, the €1 million worth of Irish art acquisitions on display in The Gallery Lounge, the high-art cuisine in the Wilde restaurant and the 1930s-style glamour of The Sidecar.

HILTON BELFAST 4 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3LP Tel: (028) 9027 7000 hilton.co.uk/Belfast The Hilton Belfast is perfectly situated for everything from sightseeing to nightlife and sampling local culture. If you are planning a city break this Easter or Spring, there are plenty of things to see and do in Belfast. For a unique shopping experience, St. Georges Market offers open air shopping three days per week while the Cathedral Quarter is perfect for soaking up the local social scene, culture and a few cool beverages.

The Hilton Belfast is a great pick in terms of location and comfort, located right next to Lanyon Place station and across the road from St. George’s. The tourist spots are not far away, with Titanic Belfast a leisurely dander or short cab ride from the hotel. From April 11 this year the TEC will host GAME OF THRONES™: The Touring Exhibition. The hotel will be offering packages to both these attractions including overnight and tickets.

If you prefer not to be tied down to an attraction during your visit there is a special offer for readers online at the Hilton website, with complimentary breakfast for all guests. All of these offers can be found under special offers at hilton.co.uk/belfast

The Merchant Hotel- Belfast

located in the centre of Belfast city’s shopping, business and culture hub, Ten Square impresses guests with its uber-stylish, eclectic look. Aesthetics aside, this is the perfect place to spend a busy city centre break and for a girlie getaway. The cocktails in a teapot come highly recommended!

RAMADA ENCORE 20 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD, UK Tel: (028) 9026 1800 encorebelfast.co.uk For luxury comfort in a great location, The Ramada Encore is a perfect choice to experience the best of Belfast. With 165 ensuite bedrooms including double, twin and family rooms, it is ideal for business travel as well as short city breaks. Situated in St. Anne’s Square adjacent to The MAC Belfast’s arts centre, The Encore Belfast is also close to many other local attractions including the must see visitor attraction - the Titanic Belfast, St. Anne’s Cathedral and City Hall. The hotel is also home to the beating heart of the Cathedral Quarter, The SQ Bar & Grill. With live entertainment, an inviting outside terrace seating area overlooking the square, and a tempting cocktail list created by the in house mixologist, the Ramada Encore is sure to give you a night to remember.

TEN SQUARE 10 Donegall Square South, Belfast Tel: (028) 9024 1001 tensquare.co.uk An extraordinary boutique hotel

49

ENTERPRISE COMPETITION

WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN A KING STUDIO ROOM

AT HILTON BELFAST

Situated on the banks of the River Lagan, the Hilton Belfast has one of the most envious locations in the city.

You will find Belfast City Hall and the surrounding cafes and shops within a five-minute walk, while the oldest outdoor market, St. George’s Market, is right across the road. Contrast that with the modern urban setting of Victoria Square and its designer shops just moments away. For culture and to soak up the local atmosphere you should visit the Cathedral Quarter with its range of bars and restaurants that embody the spirit of the city. hilton.co.uk/belfast

THE PRIZE: Enjoy a night in a King Studio Room which has two walls of glass offering panoramic views of the city and the River Lagan. These Junior Suite class rooms come with access to our 11th Floor Executive Lounge where drinks and light snacks are served nightly from 6-8pm as part of the package. In the morning you can enjoy the famous Hilton Buffet Breakfast in Sonoma Restaurant.

To enter simply email your answers to enterprise@hotpress.ie. Please include your contact details

THE QUESTIONS: 1. Which hit TV show is filmed in Belfast & Northern Ireland? a.

Downton Abbey b.

GAME OF THRONES™ c.

Bodyguard

2. Which top selling Band will headline at the Belfast’s Boucher Road Playing fields on the 19th August 2019? d.

Foo Fighters e.

Take That f.

Westlife

3. Which golf course will host The Open Championship in 2019 g.

Royal Birkdale h.

Royal Belfast i.

Royal Portrush

Terms & conditions: Stay dates subject to hotel availability and may not be available on certain dates due to city/hotel events. Saturday night availability extremely limited. Entrants must be 18+. Enterprise may contact competition entrants with details of future special offers. Your details won’t be passed on to any third party. Please specify in your email if you would like to opt out of this.

50

ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE (DUNDALK MUSEUM).qxp_Layout 1 29/08/2018 15:16 Page 1

...where stories and legends inspire

design: www.pH7.ie

design: www.pH7.ie

a place of discovery

Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth eircode: A91 EFY9

www.dundalkmuseum.ie visit us on facebook

042 93 92 999

WHY WAIT?

The Mater Private Hospital can make it happen.

Don’t put your life on hold waiting your turn on the HSC (NI) list. Access expert Orthopaedic* care now in Dublin at the Mater Private Hospital through the EU Cross Border Directive.

Mater Private Orthopaedic and Spine Centre is easily accessible, provides the highest quality care and excellent outcomes for all patients.

Consultation appointments for Orthopaedics are now available in our Drogheda Outreach Clinic.

Call

0345 939 0001 Email

crossborder@materprivate.ie or visit

www.materprivate.ie for further information

Other Specialties also available upon request

*

Get back to doing what you love, sooner.