Travel Ireland - 2020

Travel February, 2020

With Ireland just a short hop away, here’s everything you need to know before you book your visit

SHORT BREAKS

Where to plan your weekend away on the Emerald Isle

HIDDEN GEMS

Discover Ireland’s unique and unspoilt locations

FESTIVAL FEVER

Immerse yourself in Irish culture, craic and cuisine

ROAD TO ROMANCE

Planning an Irish wedding?

Cover image shows Connemara, county Galway. All pictures courtesy of Tourism Ireland/Getty/Rolling News. Reporting by Mal Rogers.

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

2 | February, 2020

The Irish Post

for some alleged slight.

The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim

Hidden gem: A cave under a cairn on nearby Ballyheady Mountain is reputed to be the burial place of the knight, Conaill Cearnach.

CO. CLARE Co. Clare is home to The Cliffs of Moher.

This is where the Atlantic crashes into one of its first ports of call in Europe – and a spectacular sight it is.

Hidden gem: The county has more traditional seisúns than you could shake a bodhrán stick at, but again that hardly comes as a surprise. What really is a hidden gem is the Burren, an extravagant limestone wilderness, but teeming with wild flowers come springtime.

CO. CORK Co. Cork is graced by the bucolic landscape of West Cork, somewhat resembling a soft focus Guinness advert. Hedgerows of fuchsia and honeysuckle overlook meadows and woodland, and the snarling Atlantic coastline is never far away.

DESTINATION IRELAND

Hidden gem: To get to Dursey Island, lying at the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula, you need to jump aboard the cable car — Ireland’s only cable car, and the only one in Europe which crosses sea. Each cable car takes six people – or a group of calves or sheep numbers depending on the size of the livestock (and humanstock). In days before the cable car, the cows had to swim across.

Improbable though this may sound, there are photographs to prove it. Whether the cows (and sheep) preferred the airborne journey or the sea, we can only guess.

The island is home to some half dozen people, a handful of livestock, and millions of seabirds.

CO. DERRY

Where you can uncover the hidden gems of the Emerald Isle…

The Walls of Derry are the only complete unbroken fortifications of any city in Britain or Ireland and one of the finest set of walls in all Europe. It would be fair to say that Derry has probably needed them over the centuries.

CO. ANTRIM

Hidden gem: The Bishop’s Palace and Mussenden Temple, Downhill, overlooks the immense sands of Benone and Magilligan strands. “Only a romantic would expect to find a palace in such a place; only a lunatic would build one.”

That’s what they say about the ethereallooking temple.

The place was built by Frederick Augustus Hervey, the fourth Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry – and whose name may be familiar to

The Giant’s Causeway, the Causeway Coastal Road, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, The Gobbins – Antrim is blessed with a surfeit of must-see destinations.

Hidden gem: Antrim is also the closest county to Britain – just eleven miles of Irish Sea separate it from the Mull of Kintyre. A deep connection – cultural, commercial and linguistic – between Antrim and Scotland has developed over millennia, giving the county a very distinctive profile. Hidden gem: St Patrick tended pigs (or sheep) (probably) on the slopes of Slemish – the remains of the plug of an extinct volcano. Standing some 1437 ft, is nearby Broughshane and visible for miles around. A well-marked path leads to the top – the views are superb, the spirituality palpable.

The North of Ireland writer Sam Hanna Bell once wrote of Ulster: “Where every hill has is hero and every bog has its bones.” And Mount Slemish has the biggest hero of all.

Not-so-hidden gems: The Dark Hedges, Shane’s Castle and Ballintoy Harbour all feature in Game of Thrones, so perhaps not quite so hidden as they once were.

CO. ARMAGH The ancient capital of Ulster, Armagh city was once the very centre of Europe with its great teaching monastery and missionary abbey – now you can’t even get a direct flight there. It remains a beautiful old city, the ecclesiastical centre of Ireland – with two cathedrals, both named after St Patrick.

Hidden gem: Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is an absolute must if you’ve any interest in military history, and still a good bet even if you haven’t. Irish, British, French, American martial stories are all explored.

CO. CARLOW Carlow glories in the Blackstairs Mountains, long pastoral walks along the river Barrow and some of the finest horticulture in these islands — including Altamont Gardens. The great behemoths of the tree world, the redwoods, thrive here. Dawn Redwood, although sounding like a Nashville country singer, is a sequoia from Manchuria in China.

This Chinese takeaway is a thing of wonder to behold, as the sun glints through its wafer thin, multi-coloured needles.

Hidden gem: Huntington Castle, in the south of the county just outside the village of Clonegal, is packed full of peculiarities.

Its magnificent stand of palm trees gives the place the ambience of a Moorish palace rather than an Irish fortress. Think Alhambra rather than Anglo-Normans. Having said that, the dungeons have been converted into an Egyptian temple.

CO. CAVAN History abounds in Cavan – the landscape is dotted with numerous Neolithic stones bearing evidence that Cavan people have been around for at least 6000 years. A bit more recently (in relative terms), tradition has it that one of the most renowned of the Red Branch Knights in the first century AD was slain here by the men of Connacht

Mussenden Temple, Co. Derry you under another guise: anywhere you see a Bristol Hotel, or a Hotel Bristol, or Café Bristol you can thank the bishop. There are almost 300 establishments round the world with this name, and all so-called because of the Bishop of Derry, the 4th Earl of Bristol, and his love of the good life.

CO. DONEGAL: The Slieve League Cliffs, overlooking Donegal Bay, claim to be the highest in Europe with a sheer drop of 1972 ft into the ocean, bringing the Old World to an abrupt end.

Hidden gems: Farming people settled around Gleann Cholm Cille between five or six thousand years ago. The most significant reminders of this society are the nearby court tombs of Mainnéar Mortlaidh and An Clachán Mór.

CO. DOWN There are many reasons to go to Co. Down.

It lays claim to the last resting place of St Patrick, in Downpatrick, as well as being the home county of the Mountains of Mourne, Tollymore Forest (where a large slice of Game of Thrones is filmed), the Royal County Down Golf course – one of the top half dozen golf courses in the world – and Strangford Lough. The latter – the largest sea lough in these islands – is a pit stop for some of the great feathered travellers of the world. An estimated one quarter of the world’s palebellied brent geese population arrive here every year from Greenland and the Arctic.

Many other avian A-listers fetch up here too No wonder Frank Sinatra immortalised the county in song: “It might have been in County Down.

Or in New York, in gay Paree, or even London town. . . . ” The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

The Irish Post Eat your heart out Westmeath, DerryLondonderry or Wexford. Somehow, none of them quite fit into a Frank Sinatra song.

Hidden gem: Castle Ward, a National Trust property overlooking Strangford Lough, boasts dual architecture. While the entrance side of the building is done in classical style, the opposite is distinctly Gothic. All to do with a marital disagreement. Don’t try this one at home, folks!

CO. DUBLIN Easy-going Dublin, the capital of craic and conviviality, produced figures as diverse as James Joyce, Dr Barnardo, Dracula, the Duke of Wellington and U2. It is in equal measure decadent and pious, thoughtful and frivolous.

But arguably the two things that have made Dublin what it is are its writers and its pubs.

Hidden gem: Dublin is home to the remains of the world’s third most popular saint after St Patrick and St Nicholas – Valentine.

His remains lie in the Carmelite church on Aungier Street, even though he wasn’t Irish – it’s doubtful if Guinness ever passed his lips.

However, his bones were brought to Dublin in 1835 by one Father John Spratt, donated to him by a grateful Pope. The church, given it commercial potential, is admirably understated.

Hidden gem: Christopher Columbus celebrated Mass in the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas in Galway, founded in 1320.

Stopping off here on his way to find America, he popped into church seeking divine guidance. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra – in other words Santy Claus – they have special services come Crimbo.

The wild countryside of Macgillycuddy Reeks and the Killarney National Park are only two of Kerry’s many attractions. There’s also The Skelligs, the Ring of Kerry, and Fungi the dolphin in Dingle Bay. Hidden gem: This green morsel of land lying half a mile off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula boasts loads of music and craic.

CO. KILDARE Kildare, officially Ireland’s flattest county, has put its modest topography to good use. The world’s finest racing horses are bred here on the lush green plains of the Curragh and beyond.

Hidden gem: Maynooth’s museum celebrates the amazing Nicholas Callan (1799-1864), a priest and professor of natural philosophy at St. Patrick’s.

CO. KILKENNY

Lough Erne is a haven for bird-watching, angling, boating of every description and picnics by the loughside. Enniskillen, bestriding the upper and lower loughs, is one of Ireland’s few towns on an island.

Kilkenny Castle is up there with Edinburgh Castle or the Tower of London as one of the great castles of the world.

CO. GALWAY Co. Galway, home to the largest Gaeltacht in Ireland, stretches from the wilds of Connemara through the Corrib country and on to the banks of the Shannon.

Little Skellig, Co. Kerry

CO. KERRY

CO. FERMANAGH

Hidden gem: Boa Island is home to two extraordinary stone statues – the seemingly gloating Boa Man, also known as the Lusty Man (because he came from the island of Lusty More), and the Janus Stone. No one knows if this is a pagan idol or an early Christian statue, although latest guestimates for the stones’ age is around 2000 years. So if they are Christian, somebody must have been very quick with the news. Pop along and see if you can throw some light on it yourself.

You might even want to write a poem about it. Seamus Heaney did – he called it January God. “In the wet gap of the year, Daubed with fresh lake mud, I faltered near his power – January God.”

February, 2020 | 3

Hidden gem: The Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Limerick, records Ireland’s long aviation history, which includes the origins of Irish coffee – the drink, as you will know, contains the four main food groups essential to human life: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and cream.

CO. LONGFORD The Mote of Granard in Longford standing some 600 feet high, offers a wide-screen view of the Midlands.

Hidden gem: Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny is one of the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland. Nearby is the reputed grave of St Nicholas, in the grounds of a ruined church in the deserted village of Newtown Jerpoint.

Hidden gem: The Old Bog Road, Corlea is a 2000-year-old trackway of large oak planks.

The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre’s exhibits allow you to see the wood from the trees.

CO. LIMERICK

CO. LOUTH

Human habitation hereabouts can be traced back to 3500 BC; thereafter, the usual suspects arrived. The Vikings fetched up in about 922. Hot on the heels of the Norsemen came the Normans in the 12th and 13th centuries, followed a few years later by Edward the Bruce and Oliver Cromwell.

No wonder the city’s official motto is: ‘An ancient city well studied in the arts of war.’

But all that history has led to one fascinating city. As you stand on Sarsfield Bridge and watch a hundred swans swim effortlessly down the Shannon towards the Atlantic, you’ll spot the gaunt contours of King John’s Castle etched out against the western horizon. Nearby is St Mary’s Cathedral, probably built around 1190. If you only visit a limited number of cathedrals every year, this one should be top of your list.

Carlingford, one of the loveliest and bestpreserved mediaeval villages in Ireland.

The visceral nature of Irish politics over the centuries has left Carlingford with two castles, a Dominican friary and a 17th century mint (currency, not confectionery) – which isn’t bad going for a place with a population of 700. A Georgian mansion – now the superb Ghan House hotel – overlooks the ancient harbour, a port of call that has seen everyone from Vikings to Victorians come and go.

Carlingford Oyster Festival, Co. Louth

CO. LAOIS The Rock of Dunamase, some seven kilometres east of Portlaoise, was first spotted for its military potential by Bronze Age settlers. The rock stands 150 feet (46m), so not exactly the Matterhorn, but it still affords impressive views across the Midlands towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Local legend insists there is treasure hidden hereabouts. Regrettably it’s guarded by the hell-hound Bandog, a doggie with enormous jaws and flaming mouth and eyes. Mind how you go, now.

Hidden gem: The Round Tower, Timahoe, is one of the finest round towers in all of Ireland, built to withstand the fury of the Danes. Yep, ain’t nothin’ like a Dane.

CO. LEITRIM

Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny

Hidden gem: Lough Melvin is internationally renowned for its unique range of plants and fish – with three types of trout, this is ichthyology central.

Leitrim is a narrow county, forty six miles in length, which can claim two miles of Atlantic coastline. It’s as though the county insisted it had to have a seaside no matter what. This is Ireland’s least populated county, with just over 30,000 souls. You could pack them all into the Cusack Stand of Croke Park, and still have room for a few folk from Roscommon as well. But if it’s quiet rural countryside you’re after, then you’re spoilt for choice. Which is kind of funny, because everything else is unspoilt.

Hidden gem: Although it’s debatable that a 2000ft mountain can be described as ‘hidden’, Slieve Foy in the Cooley Mountains is one of Ireland’s great peaks. From the summit you can see about ten counties of Ireland as well as the Mountains of Mourne, Lough Neagh, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

CO. MAYO Mayo is a place of stones and sheep, mild rain and mountain mists that magnify the brooding qualities of an introspective landscape. . . . . the strange other-world aspects of its mountains and lakes, boglands and stone-scattered flats, is reflected in the pride of its people.

This is Quiet Man country, the county of the Knock shrine, and of Croagh Patrick, a holy place since pre-Christian times.

Hidden gem: Farmers have been tending their crops in Mayo for more than 5000 years. The Céide Fields are a snapshot of what the Irish countryside looked like some five millennia ago, proof that a highly organised, sophisticated and spirituallyminded farming community was working away here in happy isolation.

CO. MEATH Brú na Bóinne, some 5,000 years old, and still going strong. The inner chamber is bathed in light every winter solstice – thus the building holds the title of being the world’s oldest solar observatory.

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

4 | February, 2020 Hidden gem: The Hill of Ward, or Tlachtga, outside Athboy has claims to being the site of the very first Halloween. Overlooking the plains of Meath, Tlachtga was one of the centres of Celtic power in ancient Ireland.

CO. MONAGHAN The Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Iniskeen is the depository of letters, manuscripts and memorabilia of the poet who wrote (amongst many other masterpieces) Raglan Road.

Hidden gem: The Neolithic court tomb at Tiredigan (on the Monaghan–Newbliss road), is set in deepest rural Ireland. The atmosphere is ethereal.

CO. OFFALY Near Clareen stands what is reputedly the most haunted castle in Ireland. Leap Castle’s nine foot thick grey granite walls give the huge edifice a foreboding appearance.

Tours are available. If you think you’re tough enough.

Hidden gem: Kinnitty Pyramid, the only one of its kind in Ireland, is situated in the graveyard of the Church of Ireland in the village, standing 30 ft high. Built in the 1830s, it is an exact replica of the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt.

CO. ROSCOMMON Ireland has more castles per square yard than anywhere else – although Wales, Scotland and Bavaria have all posted rival claims. Ireland’s earliest surviving castles are Norman, and none is more atmospheric, more beguiling, than Roscommon Castle. Constructed on the orders of Edward I of England in the 13th century, today the castle stands in ruins – which only adds to its allure. It stands between Roscommon Town and Athlone off the N61.

Hidden gem: The village of Elphin has been a bishopric for 1500 years. According to legend, it was founded by St Patrick. Today’s

cathedral holds the remains of members of the Goldsmith (literary fame) family.

CO. SLIGO

century machines as well as other printing paraphernalia are on show. Connections with the US Declaration of Independence are explored

This is Yeats’ country, with the grave of one of the finest poets of the 20th century in Drumcliff Cemetery. After ‘casting a cold eye on life, on death’ (as per Yeats’ instructions on his headstone), pass by, and a couple of miles onward to the magnificent Glencar Lough heaves into view.

Hidden gem: Creevykeel, one of the most impressive of Ireland’s prehistoric sites, some 5,000 years old.

The eponymous lighthouse on Hook Peninsula dates back to the early 13th century, probably the longest continuously operational lighthouse in the world.

The Rock of Cashel is a remarkable outcrop of limestone rising some 300 feet above the plains of Tipperary, topped by towers and turrets of splendid mediaeval architecture.

CO. TYRONE Tyrone is liberally dotted with megalithic monuments and dolmens – with Beaghmore one of the most impressive.

The intricate stone circles unquestionably denote considerable pre-historic effort, but their precise purpose can only be guessed at.

They were perhaps constructed in relation to the solstice, or to record the movements of the stars. Whatever their purpose, they provide a tangible link with our Tyrone ancestors of some 4,000 years ago. Go along and speculate yourself. Beaghmore is 8.5 miles north west of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, on the south-east perimeter of the Sperrin Mountains.

Hidden gem: Gray’s Printing Museum, Strabane is home to a collection of 19th

Westmeath is home to what claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland – Sean’s Bar. Archeological records have found that the walls of Sean’s Bar in Main Street – made originally from wattle and wicker – have been standing since 900 AD. Further, extant records claim to name every owner of the pub back to its 10th century founding – including Boy George, who briefly owned the premises in 1987.

Today the old pub is still a haunt of locals and visitors alike, and the craic regularly reaches 90, just as it has done since 900AD.

CO. WEXFORD

CO. TIPPERARY

Hidden gem: Grubb’s Grave, Clogheen. This peculiar monument houses the remains of Samuel Grubb, one time owner of Castle Grace. Mr. Grubb insisted on being buried upright, so that come Judgement Day, he’d be up and ready to go.

The Irish Post

Reginald’s Tower, Co. Waterford

CO. WATERFORD Strolling round the ancient walls of Waterford, you can’t miss Reginald’s Tower, probably the oldest urban monument in Ireland. This stone bastion has its own mini-history – kings, princes, blaggards and villains have visited here on every errand imaginable.

Hidden gem: The gardens in Mount Congreve will soon be a profusion of flowers and shrubs now that spring is heaving into view.

CO. WESTMEATH Westmeath is home to the Hill of Uisneach, reputedly the centre of Ireland, associated with the High Kings of Ireland as well as important goddesses.

Hidden gem: It’s not that surprising that

Hidden gem: The Leaning Tower of Tagoat maybe not quite as famous as the one in Pisa, but impressive nonetheless. The tower in question is part of the remains of a Norman castle on Lady’s Island, near Rosslare.

CO. WICKLOW The 1400-year-old monastic settlement of Glendalough, a grey stone huddle of buildings clustered about the round tower – built to withstand Viking debauchery, is surrounded by the steep wooded sides of the valley. This is, quite simply, one of the most ethereal and atmospheric places in all Ireland.

Hidden gem: The German forces cemetery in at the top of Glencree Valley. All the German forces who perished in or around Ireland during World War II are buried here.

It’s a poignant, unexpected place. The cemetery holds 134 graves, mostly Luftwaffe or Kriegsmarine (navy) personnel. 53 are identified, 28 are unknown.

Dr. Hermann Görtz, a German spy, is also buried there. In 1940, Görtz parachuted into Ballivor, Co. Meath on an espionage mission. He committed suicide after the war, fearing he would be handed over to the Soviet Union.

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Are you free?

So are we!

Free admission to the greatest collections of Irish heritage, culture and history in the world.

Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Merrion Street, Dublin 2.

Benburb Street, Dublin 7.

Turlough Park, County Mayo.

Open: Sunday & Monday 1pm to 5pm.

Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Closed: Christmas Day & Good Friday.

For further information: Tel: +353 (0) 1 6777 444 Email: info@museum.ie Visit: www.museum.ie

6 | February, 2020

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

MAGNIFICENT MILESTONE

After 25 years and more than 12,000 performances worldwide, Riverdance makes a triumphant return home with a show to delight Dubliners and visitors alike...

Original principal dancer, Jean Butler

‘Reel Around the Sun’ from the Anniversary Show

RIVERDANCE – 25th Anniversary Show runs at the Gaiety Theatre in the heart of the city from June 12 to September 13, a favoured destination for visitors to Dublin.

In February 1995, the first Riverdance show premiered at The Point Theatre in Dublin.

The seven-minute Eurovision interval act performance which had wowed TV audiences across the world had become a full-length stage show and from there set out on a journey that would see it tour the globe and achieve worldwide acclaim. Riverdance has been performed over 12,160 times and has been seen live by almost 28 million people across six continents.

Riverdance – 25th Anniversary Show is a reinvention of the show celebrated for its Grammy Award-winning music and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. For the 25th anniversary production, composer Bill Whelan rerecorded his mesmerising soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan completely reimagined the show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection and stage designs with new

The Irish Post

‘Firedance’ from the Anniversary Show costume designs by Emmy award winner Joan Bergin.

Exactly 25 years to the day since that first Riverdance show, the milestone was marked by a gala performance in Dublin. Jean Butler, the original principal dancer and the cast of original dancers, musicians and singers joined the on-stage finale for the celebrations, receiving a rapturous reception and standing ovation from an audience of 8,000 fans.

On the night of the gala celebrations, Moya Doherty (producer) said: ”It is said that travel broadens the mind. The global journey which Riverdance took us on since 1995 is one which would change not just our lives but the global understanding of the culture and imagination of Ireland. The reaction of audiences witnessing this new expression of Ireland meant that the world – and especially the Irish diaspora – was seeing a new writing of Ireland, one sculpted from traditional dance and music forms which could be celebrated, lauded and voiced as it should be. Often, the culture we love finds a way to speak us and it is a privilege to have been that voice. So, after 25 years, it’s both an

exciting and reflective moment as we bring this Riverdance gala performance back to where it all began.”

Jean Butler said: “Riverdance represents the creative potential and possibilities that Irish culture can still achieve.”

Many of the current Riverdance cast of dancers and musicians were not born when the show first opened in 1995. This young cast were honoured to share the stage with their heroes, the original performers who broke new ground and established the opportunity for a professional career in Riverdance and the achievement and accolade that it brings.

Riverdance – 25th Anniversary Show runs all summer at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin.

A special VIP experience is also available with a ‘meet and greet’ with the lead dancers and members of the cast.

■ Tickets and VIP experience are available on Riverdance.com and Ticketmaster Ireland (Ticketmaster.ie/ Riverdance). Groups bookings available on groups@gaietytheatre.com.

12 June to 13 September DUBLIN

In person at the Gaiety Theatre Box Office, South King Street, Dublin 2.

Box Office: +353 (0)1456 9569 Groups: groups@gaietytheatre.com

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show

VIP Experience Available www.riverdance.com www.ticketmaster.ie UK Tour

10 March – 7 June

www.livenation.co.uk

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

8 | February, 2020

The Irish Post

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR, FESTIVAL, FLEADH AND FEIS Ireland’s main festival season takes place during the summer months and early autumn, but plenty of festivals take place the year round, ranging from opera to ploughing, and from cuisine to comedy – with every conceivable stop in between.

GATHERING TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL

SMITHWICK’S KILKENNY ROOTS FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 26–MAR 1 The Gleneagle Hotel & INEC Killarney’s Gathering Traditional Festival, now in its 21st year, features concerts, céilís, sessions and storytelling, a remnant of the old folk tales and sagas of Ireland, as well as set dancing, singing and instrument masterclasses. Acts already confirmed include – Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine & Triona and Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill with Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch & Paul De Grae, and Kevin Burke & The Bonneymen.

MAY 1-4 www.kilkennyroots.com Held in romantic and gallant Kilkenny, the Roots Festival presents a wide range of music. Taking place in the city’s tight tangle of mediaeval streets, over 40 Irish and international acts will perform at ticketed and free concerts from afternoon until late into the night. Almost every musical taste is catered for – from swing to bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk, blues and beyond.

Acts include Martin Stephenson & John Perry, Tandem Felix, London–based folk– psych–country band The Hanging Stars and Eileen Rose & The Silver Threads.

VIRGIN MEDIA DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 8 www.diff.ie Over 100 films, artist tributes, discussions, workshops and more at Ireland’s premier film festival.

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL, DUBLIN

MARCH 13–17 www.stpatricksfestival.ie There will, of course, be St Patrick festivals round the world, but Dublin will be holding one of the biggest with music and entertainment of every description at venues across the city.

Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

year feature literary panel discussions, talks, poetry readings, interviews, cultural tours, walks and more. Pop–up drama and informal literary readings are also part of the festival, alongside the awards ceremonies, workshops, literary trails, plays, poetry, songwriting, choral music and traditional music sessions.

RORY GALLAGHER TRIBUTE FESTIVAL MAY 28–31 www.rorygallagherfestival.com

MUSIC CORK Listowel Writers’ Week

CATHEDRAL QUARTER ARTS FESTIVAL

APRIL 30–MAY 10 www.cqaf.com Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is held in the city’s old commercial quarter, in the shadow of the imposing St Anne’s Cathedral. The festival has established itself as one of the most dynamic arts events on these islands with a broad–ranging programme – music, comedy, cinema, theatre, poetry and literature.

APRIL 22–24 www.musiccork.com Music Cork is about creating a unique opportunity to listen to the best industry professionals talk about their work and experiences, see the best new talent perform and enjoy plenty of opportunities to network with speakers and delegates over three days.

LISTOWEL WRITERS’ WEEK MAY 27–31 www.writersweek.ie The 50th Listowel Writers’ Week will this

The late Rory Gallagher

The Irish Post

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL the Footsteps of Leopold Bloom Walking Tour.

Plus the odd gorgonzola sandwich and glass of claret at Davey Byrne’s.

February, 2020 | 9

LGBTQ Pride, Dublin

THE FASTNET MARITIME AND FOLK FESTIVAL JUNE 19–21 www.fastnetmaritime.com Heave ho me hearties, splice the main brace and head for Ballydehob in west Cork – if you’ve any interest in matters nautical and musical. The Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival features sea songs, shanties, dance and craft displays, workshops, a sea songwriting competition, busking – plus sessions in the pubs and main stage on Ballydehob pier.

Guests this year include Martin Carthy & John Kirkpatrick, Geoff Higginbottom, Claire O’Dowda and Enda Cloke, Tom Lewis and The Sick and Indigent Song club.

DUBLIN LGBTQ PRIDE

JUNE 18–28 www.dublinpride.ie Celebrations, partying, and extravaganzas promoting and celebrating LGBTQ diversity.

The highlight is the annual Pride Parade and post parade celebrations in Merrion Square on Saturday, June 27.

CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL JUNE 12–21 www.corkmidsummer.com Music, opera, circus, theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, festival trails and workshops are all included in Cork’s summer bash. This year’s programme includes the Cork Proms featuring the Cork Opera House Orchestra performing everything from Beethoven to the Beatles.

CLONMEL JUNCTION FESTIVAL

JULY 4–12 www.junctionfestival.com Featuring a week of events in the town centre, everything from street theatre, comedy, food, visual arts and free live music events will be on show in the Tipperary town.

Galway Arts Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual arts celebrations. This year’s event features over 400 writers, artists, actors, circus, performers, comedians and musicians from across the globe. Tours, talks, concerts and workshops are all part of the fun. Highlights include concerts from The Pixies, The Stunning, The Foaming Lips and Sinead O’Connor. There will also be world–class theatre premieres such as Enda Walsh’s Ballyturk, record–breaking visual art, awe–

JULY 10–12 www.foreveryoungfestival.ie Held at the stunning Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare, this 80s festival features Marti Pellow, Jimmy Somerville, The Boomtown Rats, Bananarama, Nick Heyward and many more.

KILKENNY CAT LAUGHS COMEDY FESTIVAL, KILKENNY

MAY 28– JUNE 1 www.thecatlaughs.com To paraphrase Bob Monkhouse, when somebody first mentioned having an international comedy festival in Kilkenny everybody laughed. Well they’re not laughing now. Well, actually they are laughing, and have been for the last 25 years, nurturing Irish comic talent and attracting some of the great names in Irish, British and US comedy.

GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL JULY 13–26 www.galwayartsfestival.com

THE BLOOMSDAY FESTIVAL

JUNE 11–16 www.bloomsdayfestival.ie Bloomsday, June 16, honours the walk Leopold Bloom made in Dublin as per the bewilderingly comprehensive epic novel Ulysses. Joyce’s book romps through Dublin and various literary forms: parody, fantasy, realism, as well as stream of consciousness.

The festival will feature talks, walks, pub crawls, celebratory meals, theatrical presentations, readings and events such as

JULY 9–26 www.eaf.ie A bilingual arts festival in Co. Donegal which creates unique cultural experiences in a variety of off–beat venues, from theatres and galleries to village halls, forests and beaches.

Everything from Irish dance workshops, concerts, and drama will be on offer.

48thAnnual Willie Clancy Summer School 4th -12th July, 2020 Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

BALLINA SALMON FESTIVAL

JULY 7–14 www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie The Ballina Salmon Festival is one of the West of Ireland’s longest running family festivals. A week packed with arts, culture, music, street theatre, food, dance, sport and carnival is guaranteed.

EARAGAIL ARTS FESTIVAL

SCOIL SAMHRAIDH WILLIE CLANCY

FOREVER YOUNG FESTIVAL

The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2020 takes place in the town where Rory, one of the world’s greatest and seminal guitarists, was born – Ballyshannon in Donegal.

The line–up this year includes renowned axe–men from all over the world.

inspiring street acrobatics and even strange creatures in the sky.

Tuition on uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, concertina, button accordion, melodeon, banjo, harmonica, harp, old-style step dancing, set dancing and sean-nós dance.

Workshops on the English and Irish language song traditions.

The Scope of Irish Music Course is accredited through the University of Limerick.

The best of traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Québec, Brittany and elsewhere.

Photo: Éamon McGivney

Information on Programme: scoilwclancy73@gmail.com Accommodation: kilduffmg@gmail.com Galway International Arts Festival

WWW.SCOIL SAMHRAIDHWILLIECLANCY.COM

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

10 | February, 2020

O’CAROLAN HARP & TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dublin Horse Show

JULY 31–AUGUST 6 Held in Keadue, Co. Roscommon, the festival celebrates the great harpist and composer Turlough O’Carolan, who died in the town and is buried there. The festival in O’Carolan’s honour features a harp competition, as well as céilís, sessions and theatre.

FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN

AUGUST 2-9 www.fleadhcheoil.ie This year the all–Ireland fleadh, run as ever

by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, is being held in Mullingar, Westmeath. Concerts, competitions, sessions, craic and roll — this is just about the biggest celebration of Irish music in the world.

KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

JULY 15–19 www.dublinhorseshow.com Nags, equestrian WAGs, show–jumping, and all things equine – held in one of Dublin’s most venerable institutions, the RDS. Live music and entertainment, awardwinning crafts and art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, fashion, shopping village with 300 stands, restaurants, bars and snacks – and of course the best in national and International show-jumping.

FIDDLER’S GREEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

JULY 19 – JULY 26 www.fiddlersgreenfestival.eu Set in the beautiful village of Rostrevor, overlooking Carlingford Lough, and nestling in the shadow of the Mountains of Mourne in Co. Down, this has one of the most spectacular settings of any festival in Ireland.

It also has the reputation for being one of the friendliest.

The festival is run by the Sands Family folk music dynasty so hugely prestigious artists are guaranteed.

FEAKLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

JULY 22–27 www.feaklefestival.ie Feakle, in Co. Clare, is the epicentre of a traditional music superpower, so expect the very cream of Irish players at this festival.

Poetry, dance and Irish language workshops also feature.

BOYNE MUSIC FESTIVAL

JULY 30–AUGUST 2 www.boynemusicfestival.com Known as one of the friendliest music festivals around, the emphasis in the Boyne Valley is on classical music, poetry, literature, talks and workshops.

FÉILE AN PHOBAIL (WEST BELFAST FESTIVAL)

JULY 3–AUGUST 9 www.feilebelfast.com Belfast is home to any number of festivals from literary celebrations to gay pride demonstrations – with all stops in between.

The West Belfast do is one of the longest– established, featuring music, comedy, talks, tours, theatre, debate, family, poetry in one of Europe’s largest community arts festivals.

SPRAOI WATERFORD INTERNATIONAL STREET FESTIVAL

JULY 31–AUGUST 5 www.spraoi.com Waterford’s international street festival erupts in a riot of colour, music and craic.

One of the centerpieces of the festival is the Spraoi parade featuring hundreds of performers, flamboyant costumes, spectacular floats, incredible puppets, original live music and special effects. All events are free, so all you have to do is get there.

YEATS INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL, SLIGO

JULY 30–AUGUST 7 www.yeats–sligo.com/summer_school The annual Yeats Summer School is a unique blend of learning, art and craic. Lectures, workshops, open mic poetry happenings, guided Yeats walks.

MARY FROM DUNGLOE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

JULY 25-AUGUST 3 www.maryfromdungloe.com Music, sport, beauty contests, carnival parades, dancing, céilís and of course the crowning of Mary from Dungloe are all part of the proceedings at this long–running Donegal festival.

THE GALWAY RACES

JULY 27–AUGUST 2 www.galwayraces.com A week of soaking up the atmosphere, studying form, and hurling torn–up betting slips into the bin. Racing tips and tipple, fairground amusements and music, nags and naggins, plus busking, hawking and a knees– up of gigantic proportions.

Puck Fair, Killorgin, Kerry

AUGUST 6–16 www.kilkennyarts.ie Kilkenny Arts Festival features classical music, opera, traditional music, spoken word, performance art, design and architecture.

PUCK FAIR

AUGUST 10-12 www.puckfair.ie Puck Fair in Killorglin, Kerry, has been going strong for over 400 years. It’s a traditional affair, with hours of free family street entertainment – parades, street performers, traditional music.

King Puck, in case you’re unaware, is a goat. How a billy–goat managed to take a starring role in a festival is not clearly remembered. Records of the Killorglin festival date back to 1613, yet Irish legend claims it dates back to the pagan festival of Lughnasa.

The most widely accepted version of the event’s origins relates to Oliver Cromwell.

According to this version of the story, while English Roundheads were pillaging the Kerry countryside, they came across a herd of goats grazing on the uplands. The animals took flight, and the billy–goat, or Puck, broke away and headed towards Killorglin.

His arrival alerted the townsfolk of the approaching danger.

Today a male goat is persuaded to come into town for three days. Then three days after his capture, King Puck is back in his home in the mountains, presumably wondering what on earth that was all about.

The Irish Post

STILL VOICES FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 13-16 www.stillvoicesfilmfestival.com The international short film festival at Ballymahon. Some of the most arresting and riveting short films from across the world will be getting an airing in Co. Longford.

THE BIG GRILL BBQ & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, DUBLIN AUGUST 15–18 www.biggrillfestival.com This is the festival that goes the whole hog – everything that can be barbecued will be. Billed as Europe’s biggest BBQ festival, country music will accompany your hamburgers, beer and pulled pork in the fine surroundings of Herbert Park, Ballsbridge.

Yeehaw, hot diggerty and pass the mustard!

THE BELMULLET FESTIVAL

AUGUST 15–22 www.belmulletfestival.ie The Co. Mayo festival features locally produced food, live music, arts and crafts stalls and seafront funfair. The festival is organised around Lá an Logha Fair Day – the monthly fair.

Belmullet is one of the few towns in Ireland where a monthly fair still takes place all year round on the 15th of every month.

The Belmullet August fair day is the biggest. Expect stalls groaning with local produce, entertainment and live music in The Square.

THE ROSE OF TRALEE

AUGUST 2–25 www.roseoftralee.ie The annual Kerry beauty bash, when Tralee plays host to the world. The centrepiece is Rose Competition, where The Rose from Ireland or the Diaspora is chosen. The Festival is themed on the love song The Rose of Tralee, by William Mulchinock, a nineteenth century wealthy merchant who was in love with Mary O’Connor, his family’s maid.

LISDOONVARNA MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 29 www.matchmakerireland.com The festival of romance takes place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Matchmaking maestro Willie Daly presides over all matters matrimonial: he’ll tell you the, er, rules of engagement. Even if romance isn’t necessarily on your mind, the entertainment is top class.

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

The Irish Post

ELECTRIC PICNIC

SEPTEMBER 4–6 www.electricpicnic.ie Ireland’s premier rock festival, held in Stradbally Estate, Co. Laois. It’s now sold out, so your only chance of a ticket is if there are any returns (unlikely).

CLARENBRIDGE OYSTER FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 9–13 www.clarenbridge.com The event is an extravaganza of seafood and culinary treats, as well as art exhibitions, yacht races, fine wine and gourmet evenings, traditional music and dancing – all on the bans of the Claren River.

NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

SEPTEMBER 15–17 www.npa.ie The 89th annual Ploughing Championships will be held in Ballintrane, Fenagh in Co. Carlow. This is the very pinnacle of celebrations of the farming year in Ireland – a sort of Glastonbury of agriculture or the Woodstock of animal husbandry. Aside from the ploughing competition, this year’s shindig will feature sheep–shearing, a food fair, a motor show, livestock, fashion shows, sheepdog trials, the latest agricultural machinery and the national brown bread baking competition.

CLONAKILTY INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 17–23 www.clonguitarfest.com Everything from classical guitar to pomp rock solos will feature at this Co. Cork festival.

Guitarists from across the globe will be

packing their plectrums and heading for West Cork to strum their stuff.

February, 2020 | 11

Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork

GALWAY INTERNATIONAL OYSTER AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 25–27 www.galwayoysterfest.com A feast of fine food, stout and Guinness awaits those who make the journey to Galway for the oyster season – and not forgetting the World Oyster Opening Championships, a masquerade ball, live cooking demos and much more.

SLIGO LIVE

OCTOBER 22–31 www.sligolive.ie Folk, roots and indie festival with more than 100 performances. Over nine days the cafés, pubs, hotels, clubs, shopping centres and theatres of Sligo stage intimate performances by top Irish and international acts.

CORK GUINNESS JAZZ FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 22–26 www.guinnessjazzfestival.com Ireland’s longest–established jazz festival held in a variety of venues throughout the city now attracts names of huge international stature, playing blue notes, augmented sevenths and the odd diminished minor chord.

DERRY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 1 Reckoned to be the biggest Halloween festival in the world, Derry’s spooktacular, ethereal goings-on are a knees-up of gigantic proportions. The Awakening the Walls ethereal celebrations takes place on the

ancient ramparts of the city, an extravagant celebration of the supernatural, featuring light show, dramatic music and storytelling.

There’s a Monster Halloween Fair, a Carnival Parade and the famous Samhain Traditional Sessions.

BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 23–26 bramstokerfestival.com Just in time for Halloween, Dublin has a weekend devoted to the life and legacy of Count Dracula. The organisers promise “four days of deadly adventures”.

WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA

OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 1 www.wexfordopera.com The 69th Wexford Opera shindig, this is one of the world’s leading opera festivals.

This year’s happening features Ein Wintermärchen by Karl Goldmark, Le Songe d’une nuit d’été by Ambroise Thomas and Edmea by Alfredo Catalani.

Even if you haven’t got tickets for the main events, there’s street opera, stand–up opera, pub opera, and even operaoke – a type of operatic karaoke, if you hadn’t guessed.

12 | February, 2020

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

SHORT BREAKS IN IRELAND It’s never been easier to take a short break to Ireland...

Mellifont Abbey, Co. Louth

GETTING THERE Direct flights from most airports in Britain will whisk you to Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Knock or Waterford.

Flights depart from almost all main cities, but Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Manchester, East Midlands and West Midlands airports have daily, frequent flights.

So, for instance, you could leave London Luton at 9am, pick up a hire car in Belfast by 11am, and be rambling in the Mountains of Mournes by one o’clock in the afternoon.

Ferries, of course, ply the Irish Sea on a daily basis – and although taking longer, suit those who don’t like what can sometimes be the frenetic atmosphere of airports.

The main routes are from Stranraer and Cairnryan to Belfast and Larne; from Holyhead to Dublin or Dún Laoghaire, and from Fishguard to Rosslare. There is also a ferry from Heysham to Warrenpoint in Co. Down. The main ferry companies are: www.stenaline.co.uk www.irishferries.com www.poferries.com

WHERE TO GO Deciding where to go in Ireland is a lot more difficult than deciding how to get there from Britain. Here are just a few must-see sights:

Mellifont Abbey If you only go to one ruined abbey a year, put Mellifont Abbey in Co. Louth high on your list.

The first Cistercian establishment in Ireland, the monastery was founded by a handful of monks from Clairvaux who fancied this part of Louth looked a lot like their home in France. And, strange as it may seem, they weren’t far out. Because this is rural Ireland at its peaceful, pastoral best.

National Library of Ireland Founded in 1877, the National Library of Ireland holds the single most important collection of Irish documentary heritage in the world.

Irish art Ireland’s foremost gallery for contemporary art, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed in one of the finest buildings in Dublin. The work of Irish artists such as Louis Le Brocquy and international artists such as Picasso and Miro are all on show.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Irish Post

Whale watching Whales, dolphins and porpoises can be seen off all Ireland’s coasts, although the south west and west are usually the most promising.

Whales annually migrate between the polar regions and tropics. Those seen off Ireland’s coasts are generally heading north to feed in the rich arctic waters, or heading south in the autumn to winter in the tropical breeding grounds. Ireland is Europe’s closest land to this ‘whale super highway’.

Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin Glasnevin is the last resting place of Ireland’s great and good. Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Brendan Behan and Luke Kelly lie interred alongside cardinals, archbishops, poets and street entertainers. The centrepiece of the cemetery is the O’Connell round tower, where most of Daniel O’Connell is interred (his heart is in Rome). Nearby lie the earthly remains of Kevin Barry, Maud Gonne MacBride and O’Donovan Rossa.

Crom Estate, Co. Fermanagh No fewer than eight out of Ireland’s nine species of bat hang out at Crom Estate in south Fermanagh. As the light fades, the pipistrelles call to each other before emerging from their roosting places mob-handed. It’s a noisy and spellbinding spectacle. Batwatching events take place throughout the year, so no need to mistake the soprano pipistrelle from the lesser horseshoe.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge For a diverting afternoon, you can scare yourself witless by crossing the vertiginous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which links County Antrim to tiny Carrick Island some 24 metres away. Underneath, the angry waters of the Atlantic perform their party piece, pretending to be a giant jacuzzi.

Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin

The Irish Post

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland is the nation’s leading museum institution, with a strong emphasis on national and some international archaeology, Irish history, Irish art, culture, and natural history. It has three branches in Dublin and one in County Mayo and its origins date back to 1877.

The Aran Islands, Galway

The sacred and spiritual Aran Islands are located just off Galway and Doolin – and there a true Irish experience awaits.

The locals speak Irish, as well as English, in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance, including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa - which is set on a dramatic 300ft cliff edge.

Because of their Celtic and Christian heritage, the three Islands - namely Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer - have an unusually high number of ruins and sacred sites.

Holy Ireland, the Island of saints and scholars, has historically centred around Celtic and Christian pilgrimage and just by exploring or being on the Aran Islands, one is on a path to connecting with their spiritual innerself.

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

February, 2020 | 13

32nd GALWAY FILM FLEADH 7-12 JULY 2020 WWW.GALWAYFILMFLEADH.COM

Galway Film Fleadh 7th-12th July 2020

The Irish Post

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

February, 2020 | 15

ALL THINGS BRIDE AND BEAUTIFUL If you’re looking for the perfect spot for for your nuptials, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice in Ireland.

16 | February, 2020

The Irish Post

IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

the Refectory Suite, overlooks the elegant gardens.

THE G HOTEL

GALWAY www.theghotel.ie Boutique chic at its finest, the g is modelled from the outside like a hat; just what you’d expect from ‘the world’s most famous milliner’ Philip Treacy, with his deft lightness of touch. The wedding suite offers stunning surroundings.

THE SHELBOURNE

DUBLIN www.theshelbourne.com The Shelbourne remains one of the most popular wedding venues in Ireland, right in the heart of Dublin. The Shelbourne can host up to 250 guests in the beautifully-restored Great Room.

THE MERCHANT HOTEL

golf on one of Ireland’s great courses.

BELFAST www.themerchanthotel.com The Merchant Hotel, a grand 19th-century Grade I listed building, has been transformed into a lavish and classically styled hotel. Five star elegance and luxury makes this one of the top wedding venues in Belfast. Wedding coordinators will ensure your big day goes to plan.

GHAN HOUSE

THE MALMAISON

The K Club, Straffan, Co. Clare IRELAND has wedding venues in every county, from hotels that can accommodate up to 1000 people – if you’re really going to push the boat out – to small intimate spaces that might just have room for you, the witnesses and the family.

Here a just a few of the impressive venues available, to get you started…

CARTON HOUSE

MAYNOOTH, CO. KILDARE www.cartonhouse.com The Carton House is a luxury hotel with spa

and golf course attached.

The Carton Suite Ballroom can hold parties of up to 300 guests, while the graceful Silver Ballroom caters for the same number for dinner and dancing.

THE K CLUB

STRAFFAN, CO. CLARE www.thekclub.ie The K Club’s Legacy Suite ballroom can accommodate up to 350 people. Located in the Smurfit Clubhouse, if you book in for a couple of days you can also enjoy a round of

CARLINGFORD, CO. LOUTH www.ghanhouse.com Set in idyllic surroundings of the mediaeval village of Carlingford, the beautiful Georgian mansion caters for between 40 to 110 wedding guests – and you get exclusive use of the hotel. Throw in incomparable views of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Mountains, and you have the most romantic wedding venue imaginable.

BELFAST www.malmaison.com Malmaisons have a fine practice of turning a variety of premises (factories, prisons, banks) into offbeat, luxury boutique hotels.

The Belfast Malmaison is a former seed warehouse, refurbished to within an inch of its life. The soft-focus furnishings with suave boutique décor will ensure you have a funky wedding

INTERCONTINENTAL

POWERSCOURT GARDENS IRELAND

DUBLIN www.intercontinentaldublin.ie Set on two acres of stunning, landscaped gardens near Dublin city centre, the Intercontinental Dublin is one of Ireland’s most luxurious wedding venues. The Shrewsbury Room can accommodate between 180 and 400 guests.

SLIEVE DONARD RESORT AND SPA

NEWCASTLE, CO. DOWN www.hastingshotels.com One of the most popular venues in Northern Ireland for weddings, The Slieve Donard in Co. Down comes with the most romantic of backdrops – the Mountains of Mourne sweeping down to the sea. There are a range of banqueting rooms available.

THE OLD INN

CRAWFORDSBURN, CO. DOWN www.theoldinn.com One of the oldest inns in Ireland, this establishment has been going strong for more than 400 years. How long it’s been in the business of romance is anybody’s guess, but today it’s equipped for the very finest of weddings in hugely romantic surroundings.

CASTLEMARTYR RESORT

powerscourt House and Gardens

Enter - Explore - Discover

No. 3 Garden in the World (National Geographic)

www.powerscourt.com

CO. CORK www.castlemartyrresort.ie The five star Castlemartyr Resort is basically three wedding venues in one – a historic manor house, a majestic 13th century castle (originally built by Strongbow), and a luxury hotel.

The venue caters for weddings up to 220 guests.

BELLINTER HOUSE

CO. MEATH www.bellinterhouse.com Standing majestically on the banks of the River Boyne in the rolling landscape of Co. Meath, Bellinter House exudes period glamour. Their 206-capacity banqueting hall,

Pledge your troth

CASTLE LESLIE

CO. MONAGHAN www.castleleslie.com Castle Leslie in Glaslough is truly one of the most wonderful hotels in these islands. The Victorian pile is so well thought of that Paul McCartney married Heather Mills here.

The Pavilion, accommodating up to 260 guests, overlooks Glaslough Lake.

MOUNT WOLSELEY

TULLOW, CO. CARLOW www.mountwolseley.ie Gracious and luxurious accommodation in the heart of Carlow, plus splendid facilities for weddings. The hotel’s wedding team are known to be among the most creative in Ireland.

The Mount Wolseley also boasts its own 18-hole championship golf course, spa, and leisure club facilities including 20-metre indoor pool.

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IRISH POST TRAVEL SPECIAL

February, 2020 | 17

LOUGH ERNE RESORT

ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH www.lougherneresort.com Situated on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands and The Faldo Course, the Lough Erne Resort is one of the finest 5 Star hotels Northern Ireland has to offer. The Ross Suite and Lakeview terrace are ideal for wedding receptions where a spectacular background is required.

See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal

manufactured before your eyes Guided Factory Tours Daily

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