Travel ireland Volume3 Issue24

Travelireland Volume 3 Issue 24 April 2016

Pat Liddy explores the vaults at

Christchurch Cathedral A Titanic Review of Cobh and all of its beauty

Playing for space at the

Galway Theatre Festival Mouth Watering

magazine

Remembering the 1916 Rising at The National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks

One City One Book

West Waterford Festival of Food

CONTENTS 4 6 8 10 12 14 17 20 22 24 26 27 28 30 32 32 34 34 36 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Welcome to Leinster The Plough And The Stars at The Abbey Proclaiming A Republic at the National Museum Theatre Listings Dublin, One City, One book Pat Liddy Explores Christchurch Leinster Pubs Leinster Restaurants Leinster Shopping Explore Leinster Welcome to Munster Explore Munster West Waterford Festival of Food Cobh Munster Restaurants Munster Pubs Great Irish Writers James Earley - Artist Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Theatre Royal, Waterford Connemara Mussel Festival Welcome to Connaught Galway Theatre Festival Explore Connaught Connaught Pubs Connaught Restaurants Welcome to Ulster Explore Ulster Ulster Pubs Ulster Restaurants

Ellen Media Communications Ltd Father Matthew Hall Second Floor, 131 Church St, Dublin 7.

Tel: 01 561 2431 / 087 911 3732 www.travelirelandmagazine.com Travel Ireland Magazine @traveliremag

Willkommen-Bienvenida-Bienvenue-Welcome! To our April issue.

Whether this is your first time visiting our shores, or you are returning once again to trace the steps of your distant ancestors, here at Travel Ireland we hope in some small way to be able to gently guide you as you plan your stay here. There’s so much to do and see all year round in Ireland, with this April being a particularly special month as we mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Learn how the lives of ordinary people were affected at the Proclaiming A Republic exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland or take a trip to the famous Abbey theatre to see Sean O’Casey’s The Plough And The Stars. Take in some literature at the One City One Book festival or head south to the West Waterford Festival of Food. While there you may want to pay a visit to the award-winning Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort or take a trip to the harbour town of Cobh and sample its many delights. Whatever you end up doing, we at Travel Ireland wish you a hefty and heart-felt Céad míle fáilte.

Enjoy your stay.

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Published by Ellen Media Communications Ltd Publisher John Carey Features Writer Mark O’Brien Design & Art Direction Outburst Design Advertising John Carey (john@ellenmediacom.ie, 01 561 2431, 087 911 3732) Aran Sheehan (aran@travelirelandmagazine.ie, 085 711 0826) Contributors: Pat Liddy, Adam Patterson Photography, John McCurdy, Paula Moore, Patrick O’Neill, Stephen Walker, Ivan Donoghue, Joleen Cronin Richard Eibrand, Padraig O’Donnell, Michael Mc Laughlin, Patrick Donald Photography.

We wish to record our thanks to Paula Sneyd, Failte Ireland, The Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service, Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. And to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and The National Trust-Giants Causeway (NI), for their help and guidance in the production of this edition.

And to Paddy Donovan, Ed Reeve, Carr Cotter and Naessens, jonandlauren.wordpress.com and10bestpubsingalway.wordpress.com for the use of their images.

Ellen Media Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Ellen Media Communications Limited does not accept responsibility for any advertising content. All unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted or returned. No material may be used in whole or in part without the publishers prior consent. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of all the events information or recommendations on this site, no responsibility will be accepted by Ellen Media Communications Ltd, its editorial team, designers, authors or agents acting on their behalf for alterations, errors or omissions which may occur.

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Leinster - The East Coast Province Leinster is the most easterly of the four provinces of Ireland, and is the most populated with the city of Dublin at its heart. The province is made up of counties Dublin, Louth, Meath, Carlow, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Kilkenny and Wexford. These counties have a host of historic monuments, a picture perfect coastline and cities and villages thronged with things to do and see.

County Dublin is the home to the capital city. Dublin is the administrative, cultural, and economic capital of the country. It is one of the most exciting places to visit with a thriving arts, musical and theatrical nightlife.

All roads lead to Saint Stephen’s Green in the very centre of the city. You’ll find it at the top of Grafton Street, with Trinity College down at the other end. And just around the corner you can stroll around the cultural quarter of Temple Bar between Dame Street and the river that, famously, divides the North and the South of the city.

If you want to escape to the country without

GPO, Dublin actually leaving the city, then you can head north to Howth Head, or south to the charming and culturally vibrant villages of Dalkey and Killiney. Half an hour on the DART train will take you from the centre of the city to what feels like the heart of the country.

County Meath formerly known as the Royal County is the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland who were based around the Hill of Tara. Meath is also one of the most archaeologically important counties on the island with its Neolithic sites at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These ancient religious sites (built before the Pyramids) have been excavated and restored in recent years making 4

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

river which is famous for its salmon fishing and the beautiful Carlingford area. If it is a leisurely drive you seek Louth is the place to go. Carlow is where you will find three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – the South Leinster, the Barrow and the Wicklow Ways. Carlow is blessed with hundreds of miles of excellent and varied walking trails, and hosts a wonderful arts festival every June.

Stephen’s Green Park them some of the busiest visitors’ attractions in the country. The sites are all only less than an hour’s drive out of Dublin and are accessible through the Bru Na Boinne Visitors Centre.

The county also features the site of the Battle of the Boyne which was one of the great battles fought on Irish soil. For horse racing lovers, Meath has the wonderful Fairyhouse Racecourse, and there is also summertime horse racing on Laytown Beach.

County Wicklow has several world famous sites and attractions, from the Glendalough monastic settlement with its Abbey and Round Tower, to the fabulous Powerscourt House and Gardens. The Wicklow Hills rising majestically over the county and the seaside town of Bray are just some of its many attractions.

Offaly is situated in the centre of Ireland. Nestling between the Shannon River to the West and the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the East, Offaly is one of the lowest lying counties in the country.

Any visitor should travel along the Royal Canal where one can experience a peace and tranquillity little known in our busy world.

Kildare is the home of the National Stud, Newbridge Silverware and Maynooth College. Couple all these with Mondello Park motor racing, Naas horse racing course and Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park and there is something for everyone.

Westmeath is a county which has at its heart the town of Athlone which is exactly situated in the middle of Ireland. It is home to the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival, the oldest pub in Ireland and some of the finest golfing, fishing and health spas on offer throughout the land.

Louth is known as “the wee county” as it is the smallest county in Ireland but what it lacks in land mass it makes up for in places to see. It is the home of the Cooley Mountains, the Boyne

St Kevin’s Church, Glendalough Laois is where you can try your hand at a range of activities from paintballing in the Stradbally Woods to western-style riding at Fossey Mountain, bowls at the only indoor bowls stadium in the Republic or tie a fly at the unique Irish Fly-fishing and Game shooting Museum.

Kilkenny City was voted Ireland’s Top Tourism Town for 2013 by Failte Ireland

Round Tower, Glendalough which is Ireland’s main tourism body. It was voted Cleanest Town in Ireland at end of 2013

by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), and has also been voted 9th friendliest city in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The city was in addition voted Most Friendliest City in Europe. Couple all these awards with a huge countywide cultural heritage trail and it is a must see destination for any visitor.

Longford is situated in the basin of the River Shannon and the upper catchment area of the River Erne. It is ideally located in the heart of the Lakelands region within easy reach of many stunning and historic tourist attractions.

The county’s accessibility to many of Irelands main towns and cities make it a prime location as a holiday base.

Finally, Wexford is famous for its glorious sandy coastline and together with County Waterford is known as ‘The Sunny South East’.

You can also visit the oldest lighthouse in Europe which stands on the Hook Peninsula.

So now you know, whether you are a family group, a couple, or a single traveller, there is something for everyone in Leinster!

The Plough And The Stars at The Abbey Theatre

Ian-Lloyd Anderson (Jack Clitheroe) in The Plough and the Stars by Sean O’Casey, directed by Sean Holmes.

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s Ireland marks the centenary of the 1916 Rising, Sean O’Casey’s emotive play set during those events, The Plough And The Stars, comes to the Abbey Theatre, running until 23 April. The play tells the story of ordinary Dubliners whose lives are thrown into disarray by the rebellion on the streets of the city. The last of O’Casey’s trilogy of Dublin plays, when it was first staged in the Abbey in 1926, the audience rioted due to the provocative nature of the subject matter. However it has since come to be regarded as a masterpiece.

The Plough And The Stars tells the story of Jack Clitheroe and his wife Nora, who live in a Dublin tenement. Jack is a former member of the Irish Citizen Army who is pressed back into service when Captain Brennan arrives to inform him that he has been promoted Commandant and he is ordered to join General James Connolly. In spite of Nora’s protests, Jack goes and he is soon pressed into action when the Rising begins, much to his wife’s dismay.

The audience are also introduced to a number of other residents of the tenement; including ardent communist, The Young Covey, charwoman Mrs Grogan and Bessie Burgess, a Protestant fruit-vendor who is disdainful of the rebellion.

This high-energy staging is directed by Sean Holmes, who previously directed Drum Belly at the Abbey in 2013. He was previously Associate Director of the Oxford Stage Company from 2001 to 2006 and has worked for the National Theatre, London and Royal Shakespeare Company as well as the Royal Court, Donmar Warehouse and Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre. He brings this wealth of experience to this outstanding production, which also features a cast of well respected Irish actors.

Ian-Lloyd Anderson, probably best known to Irish audiences as Dean in Love/Hate, plays Jack Clitheroe. Ian is no stranger to the Abbey stage, having appeared there in Our Few and 6

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - ApRIL 2016

Ian-Lloyd Anderson (Jack Clitheroe) and Kate Stanley Brennan (Nora Clitheroe) in The Plough and the Stars by Sean O’Casey, directed by Sean Holmes.

Evil Days, Sive,The Risen People, Major Barbara, Shibari, Alice in Funderland and Macbeth to name just a few. Kate Stanley Brennan plays Nora. An accomplished stage actor, Kate has appeared in Hedda Gabler, The Risen People, The Plough and the Stars, Terminus, The Playboy of the Western World at the Abbey and has a string of theatre and TV credits to her name, including appearing in The Tudors. The cast also includes Liam Heslin as Captain Brennan, James Hayes as Peter Flynn and Eileen Walsh as Bessie Burgess.

There has been much written about the cultural and historical impact of the events of the 1916 Rising but Sean O’Casey takes a different approach, taking a look at the lives of a fictional bunch of people whose experiences are very much rooted in fact. The Plough And The Stars is a must for anyone interested in the history of the time or anyone who just appreciates great theatre. www.abbeytheatre.ie

GOURMET FRENCH CUISINE PRE-THEATRE & EARLY-BIRD DINING VEGETARIAN, COELIAC & GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE

81 - 82 TALBOT STREET, DUBLIN 2 |TEL: 01 704 0126 |EMAIL: INFO@LEBONCRUBEEN.IE |WWW. LEBONCRUBEEN.IE

Celtic Lodge Guesthouse

In the Heart of Dublin City Centre

Celtic Lodge is located on Talbot Street in Dublin City Centre.

Recently refurbished throughout, the rooms are decorated in modern colours and fabrics with luxurious touches, to make your stay in Dublin as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The Celtic Lodge Guesthouse is located just 5 minutes walk from both Connolly Train Station and Busáras, the main bus station in Dublin. Popular Dublin attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Book of Kells at Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Old Jameson Distillery are also close by. Celtic Lodge offers quality Dublin accommodation at great rates and is an ideal choice for your stay in Dublin.

81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 . Tel: 01 878 8810 Email: info@celticlodge.ie www.celticlodge.ie

Dublin’s Finest Traditional Irish Pub Traditional Irish Music Every evening from 9pm. Come on in for a pint and the craic!

Come along and experience the authentic atmosphere found only at The Celt Bar, the traditional Irish pub in Dublin that’s as full of life as it always has been. Friendly faces, a classic bar menu, the finest selection of Irish whiskey’s, beers, ales and stouts, ciders and not to mention the goodness of real Guinness.

www.thecelt.ie

The Celt Bar 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

Proclaiming A Republic:

The 1916 Rising At The National Museum of Ireland

T

he National Museum of Ireland has a long history of exhibitions relating to the 1916 Rising and this year, to mark the centenary of the event, they have put together an exhibition of one of the largest collections of materials from the period. The Museum of Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks is a fitting home for this collection as it was not far from the barracks that some of the fighting took place, in locations such as the Four Courts and the GPO. Visitors to Proclaiming A Republic will have a unique opportunity to experience the physical proximity to the people and events of the Rising through everyday intimate and personal belongings, some of which have never been on display before.

The exhibition explores the background to the events that led up to the 1916 Rising.Visitors can delve into the nuances of the political events of the time and learn how the political climate became more militaristic in the lead up to the Rising. The rise of the Catholic elite and the push for Home Rule are explored, as well as the counter moves from unionists. Irish arts and culture movements of the time also played a part in the growing popularity of republican nationalism.

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Proclamation of the Irish Republic A copy of the 1916 Proclamation, with the signatures of the printers Michael J. Molloy, Liam Ă“ Briain and Christopher Brady.This copy was owned by Kathleen Lynn, and on the back are the names of eleven of the women imprisoned in Mountjoy Gaol after the Rising, signed 19th May 1916.

Personal belongings and memorabilia tell the story of the Rising itself. Visitors can follow the rebels as they set up garrisons around

Dublin, with the limited action outside of the city also explored. The story is told through artefacts such as the clothing worn by the rebels and the British Army, watches used to time rebel dispatches, bullets, homemade bombs and bayonets, and unique items such as the razor used by Thomas Clarke and Padraig Pearse’s spectacles.

The horrors and casualties of war are also explored using artefacts from the time. Smelling salts used to revive the wounded and first aid kits used to treat the injured and the dying will be on display, giving an insight into the experiences of the soldiers fighting the battles. Civilians were also caught up in the fighting and their personal stories are told through poignant artefacts, such as a crucifix perforated by a stray bullet.

The Rising was a short and brutal affair that led to the destruction of many areas of the city centre. Scenes of that destruction greet the visitor as they move from the battlegrounds to the surrender of the rebels and the subsequent introduction of martial law. It is in this sombre area of the exhibition that visitors can view the last letters of those who had been sentenced to death for their part in the Rising. Written in

All photographs courtesy National Museum of Ireland

their own handwriting, these are the last thoughts and emotions of the rebel leaders. Visitors can read these moving words and also listen to dramatic, modern day readings of these touching letters. Many more people were imprisoned for their part in the Rising and their experiences are explored through the arts and crafts of the internment camps, as well as prison badges and caps.

Artefacts and accounts from the time also help the visitor to understand the plight of the families of the rebels, learning how those families coped with courts martial,

imprisonment and execution of their loved ones.

Proclaiming A Republic offers a comprehensive and fascinating insight into the 1916 Rising, exploring the event from all sides through the use of a staggering number of artefacts from the era. It reflects on 100 years of collecting and commemorating the last tangible links to the men, women and children of the time and is an essential stop for anyone with an interest in the pivotal event that was the 1916 Rising.

Pocket First Aid Kit A First Aid outfit 1916. Taken with other things

by Mrs. Liam O’Gorman (then Miss Christina Hayes) when mobilised on Easter Monday, where she was put in charge of the Father Matthew Hall First Aid Station by the late Commandant Ned Daly. About 32 men were attended at this station.

Pocket First Aid, Fastnet brand. With contents including the remains of rolls of gauze bandages and a tube of ointment, a safety pin.

Bicycle ridden by Terence Simpson Easter Monday 1916 Bicycle which was ridden by Terence Simpson from Drumcondra to St. Stephen’s Green and thence to Jacob’s Factory on Easter Monday, 1916, when joining his unit in the rebellion. It was confiscated on the surrender and returned to him by the British military authorities at King George V Hospital in 1917.

www.museum.ie

Home-made Bomb Home-made bomb, of the type used in the 1916 period. Bourneville chocolate tin (marked on bottom) filled with iron shrapnel fragments, which would also have contained a black gunpowder. Top burst due to mis-firing.

April 2016 - TrAVEl irElAND MAGAZiNE

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Theatre Mermaid Arts Centre

H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness

The Gate

Juno And The Paycock

For nearly a century, Lovecraft’s cornerstone of weird fiction has thrilled readers and now Icarus Theatre Collective bring his chilling tale to life. The story of an Antarctic expedition that goes terribly wrong, William Dyer is trapped and tormented by what he saw and what he could not possibly have seen.

14 April Tel: 01 2724043 or visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie Also in the Mermaid Arts Centre this month; Jack L with Phantasmagoria (1 April), Donal Lunny & Andy Irvine (2 April), Intaglio Print Making Workshop (2 April), Carol (4 April), Square One: Pride & Prejudice (5 - 9 April), Room (11 - 12 April), Hot Sprockets (15 April), Pop Stars & Snow White - Dance Academy (16 - 17 April), Rams (18 April), 9 To 5 The Musical (20 - 23 April), Irish Destiny (24 April), Short Cuts (27 April) and A Journey Through Composition (28 April).

Bord Gais Energy Theatre Annie

Featuring classics such as Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, Annie is the heartwarming tale of an orphan determined to find her real parents. Tormented by the spiteful Miss Hannigan, Annie’s luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the famous billionaire Daddy Warbucks - but Miss Hannigan is out to spoil Annie’s plans.

12 - 16 April Tel: 01 6777999 or visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Sean O’Casey’s mesmerising mix of comedy and tragedy set in the Dublin tenements of the 1920s is a show not to be missed. Jack Boyle and his friend Joxer Daly spend their days putting all of their efforts into avoiding work instead of finding it, much to the consternation of Jack’s long suffering wife Juno.

But will an inheritance from a distant relative change their lives for the better?

11 February - 16 April Tel: 01 8744045 / 01 8746042

National Concert Hall

The National Concert Hall is home to the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and the National Chamber Choir of Ireland.

Highlights this February include; Imagining Home: This is Ireland (2 April), UCD Symphony Orchestra: War & Peace (5 April), Karen Underwood in Concert (8 April), The Three Tenors Annual Concert (14 April), RTE NSO Takemitsu, Ravel, Sibelius (15 April), A Night by the Ocean (19 April), Bizet’s Carmen (23 April) and Rebecca Storm - My Life in Music (30 April). www.nch.ie

The Gaiety

The Matchmaker

Also at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month; Brendan Cole: A Night To Remember (3 April), Offset (8 - 10 April) and The Barber of Seville (20 - 23 April).

Having recently released his fifth studio album, Human Love, Newton Faulkner returns to Ireland for what is sure to be an incredible show. This guitar virtuoso has to be seen to be believed as he delivers tunes such as his breakout hit Dream Catch Me, his recent single Get Free and his mesmerising cover of Massive Attack’s Teardrop.

7 April Also in the Olympia this month; Gregory Porter (1 April), Matt Corby (3 April), The Next Step (6 April), Wolfmother (8 April), Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott (10 April), Paul Zerdin (13 April), Troye Slevin (15 April), The Magic of Motown (16 April), The Lumineers (17 April), Dierks Bentley (21 April), Marijonas Mikutavicius (23 April), Chris Cornell (25 April), Graeme of Thrones (29 April) and Klingande (30 April).

Theatre Royal, Waterford Deirdre O’Kane: 1Dee

After a seven year break from stand-up, Deirdre O’Kane returns with her brilliant new show, 1Dee. Not that she’s been resting on her laurels for all that time. She’s had more babies, made a movie in Vietnam and played various roles, including the mother of Moone Boy. That’s quite a rich vein of material to mine www.theatreroyal.ie Tel: 051 874402 Also at the Theatre Royal this month; Declan O’Rourke (8 April), Big Telly Theatre Company presents Puckoon (14 April), Simon & Garfunkel: Through The Years performed

by Bookends (15 April), Esposito (16 April), Underneath (22 April), Silent (23 April) and Get Rhythm: A Tribute to Johnny Cash (30 April)

Slice The Thief

Set during the Easter Rising, Sean O’Casey’s powerful play tells the story of ordinary lives that are ripped apart by the idealism of the time. As revolution sweeps the streets of Dublin, the residents of the city take shelter from the violence. But what kind of Ireland awaits them when it’s all over? (see page 6 for more details).

The Matchmaker takes us back to a simpler time, when even phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders. John B Keane’s witty play follows the exploits of Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor as he attempts to make matches for the lonely and the lovelorn in rural Ireland.

11 - 16 April

3 - 9 April

9 March - 23 April

Tel: 0818 719 388.

Tel: 01 8872200

Also at the Gaiety this month; The 39 Steps (29 March - 2 April), That’s Entertainment (4 - 9 April) and Mario Rosenstock Live (26 - 30 April).

Also in Smock Alley this month; Music Current (7 - 9 April), Pleasure Ground (10 11 April) and Insight #2 Tonnta (27 April).

Also at The Abbey this month; Tina’s Idea of Fun (14 April - 14 May).

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Newton Faulkner

Smock Alley Theatre

The Abbey

The Plough and the Stars

The Olympia

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

Bitter Like A Lemon present a breathtaking ride through Dublin’s suburbs. Slice is a funny, charming bike thief who finds himself in over his head when he steals the wrong bike and has 24 hours to get it back to its crazy owner. The only problem is - the bike is now in the hands of someone even crazier than its original owner.

www.smockalley.com Tel: 01 6770014

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Dublin

F

or the past ten years, Dublin City Libraries have united people in April to read one book associated with the city of Dublin through the Dublin: One City One Book festival.

Previous books that book clubs have joined together to read include novels by Dublin authors including Roddy Doyle, James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Flann O’Brien. This year’s chosen book is Fallen by Lia Mills - and in an exciting development, this year Dublin is joining forces with Belfast to make Two Cities One Book, with a range of exciting events happening across both cities in the month of April.

Fallen is Lia Mills’ third novel. It tells the story of ordinary people caught up in the events of the 1916 Rising. Through the experiences of its central character Katie Crilly, the novel explores the challenges of day to day living in a conflict situation alongside contextual subjects such as education and votes for women. It vividly depicts the various and conflicting allegiances faced by Irish soldiers in the First World War and those supporting the cause of the rebellion.

“Fallen is dedicated to the city of Dublin, so I’m beyond delighted that the city has chosen it for its One City One Book festival this year,” said Lia Mills. “I’m especially happy that Dublin and Belfast have made it a joint selection, and that book clubs in Dublin have been twinned with book clubs in Belfast to read it.

The programme is impressive and ranges far beyond one novel: it’s a celebration of reading, and highlights the great and necessary work that librarians and libraries do in our communities.”

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

One City One Book As part of the Two Cities One Book aspect of the festival there will be a Two Cities One Book Day in Belfast on 16 April and in Dublin on 29 April. On 16 April there will be a coach to Belfast from Dublin with lunch in Belfast City Hall followed by a tour of the Ulster Museum. In return, there will then be a coach from Belfast to Dublin on 29 April for a range of events, including a tour of the ‘Proclaiming a Republic’ exhibition in the National Museum.

One of the flagship events will take place on 20 April in Findlater’s Church, Parnell Square. All Sorts of Wild Reports will feature dramatised descriptions of Easter Week in Dublin taken from diaries and letters of a diverse group of women who experienced the Rising at first hand.

Another highlight will be The Road to the Vote which takes place in Newman House, St Stephen’s Green on Monday 18 April. Anna Carey, Nell Regan and Jeanne Sutton engage in a lively discussion with chair Rick O’Shea about the suffragette movement in Dublin and Belfast in 1916.

Dublin has always had a rich literary history and it’s great to see Dublin City Council Public Library Service join forces with Libraries NI to expand the festival this year to incorporate Belfast as well. It’s fitting that in this centenary year, the chosen book focuses on the events of the 1916 Rising, with a fresh perspective from a contemporary author. www.dublinonecityonebook.ie

Gallery Zozimus 56 Francis Street, Dublin 8, PH: 01 453 9057

Dublins Largest Ceramic Gallery incorporating Fine Art Over 70 Ceramic Artists on Show

Email: info @galleryzozimus.ie, Web:www.galleryzozimus.ie

A GUIDED TOUR THROUGH 10,000 YEARS OF IRISH HISTORY Celtic Gods will take you on a journey from 8,000 BC to present day in Ireland’s only cinematic theatre.

Experience their cultural triumphs, feel their defiance as they fight against annihilation and watch them rise up from their cultural ashes.

Opposite Hop on/off Bus Stop Smithfield, Dublin 7

E: info@storyoftheirish.ie T: +353 (0) 1 873 3537

Open from 10:30 - 7:00pm with Shows Every Hour.

Duration 60 Minutes www.storyoftheirish.ie

Christ Church Cathedral

By Pat Liddy

Main Photograph Patrick Donald

The inner core of late medieval Dublin was a comparatively small area hedged in by impressive walls, fortified by 32 sturdy towers and gateways. Among the cramped streets and crowded laneways of wooden houses and wattle cabins stood at least ten stone churches. The grandest of these was the Church of the Holy Trinity, now more commonly known as Christ Church Cathedral. Built on the highest point of the hill around which Dublin was strategically located, it soared above all else. Nothing was allowed to be higher than the principal house of God!

In the 11th century, Dublin was a Viking town, founded a little over a century earlier by marauding Norsemen. Initially pagan, with a whole pantheon of gods for them to worship, they had begun to embrace Christianity, no doubt influenced by the rich monastic traditions of Ireland and the general trends elsewhere.

Their leader in Dublin, King Sitric Silkenbeard, went on a pilgrimage to Rome in 1028 and on his return he decided to found a church which would become Christ Church Cathedral. Started around 1030, the building was first built mainly of wood but during the archbishopric of Dublin’s patron saint, Laurence O’Toole, this structure was torn down and enlarged from the 1170s by the new conquerors of Dublin, the Normans. Their commander, Richard FitzGilbert de Clare, otherwise known as Strongbow, paid for the fine new construction, mainly from his own pocket and, with a little coercion, from the purses of his colleagues. He was buried under the crypt when he died in 1176.

If you look at the cathedral, you can see the two styles of architecture used in the construction. The transepts (the cross sections jutting out from the central aisle) display Romanesque or Roman arch windows and doorways while the rest of the church is composed of the later Gothic style (pointed windows and doors).

From then on, Christ Church took centre stage in the life of the medieval city and many state and civic occasions were held here. The stone crypt, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, hosted not only some burials but also markets, meetings and even served for a while as a tobacco and wine store. Today, the crypt is one of the highlights of a visit 14

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to Christ Church with its evocative vaulted ceilings, intriguing passages and a vast array of historic treasures. Among the most curious of the latter are the mummified remains of a rat and a cat, who, with one chasing the other over 200 years ago, ended up firmly stuck in an organ pipe and mummified slowly as the great organ pumped the musical air past their remains. When eventually discovered, rather than discarding their carcasses they have been preserved in a glass case commemorating a pair of the cathedral’s past denizens. Well, actually, the rat was stolen some years ago and was replaced by another deceased member of the rodent family!

When the Reformation of King Henry Vlll was introduced into Ireland in the 1530s,

the church became part of the new Anglican faith or Church of Ireland. It has remained Anglican ever since but in a strange historic twist it is still, as far as the Vatican is concerned, the Roman Catholic cathedral of Dublin although the Pro-Cathedral in Marlborough Street is the de-facto seat of the Catholic Archbishop.

In 1562, due to suspect foundations, about half of the building including the roof collapsed into a pile of rubble.

Remarkably the north wall didn’t fall out but hung precariously until buttresses were applied. Today this wall has an obvious lean of nearly half a metre and is now known as the Leaning Wall of Dublin.

Some of the cathedral’s discarded sculptures, silver plate and ancient manuscripts are stored in the crypt.

Also included are items used when the church briefly served again under Roman Catholic rule in 1689/90 when James ll fought his futile war in Ireland to hold onto the throne of England. Another unexpected collection hanging here are the costumes from the TV series The Tudors, which was regularly filmed in the cathedral precincts.

The rather bulky tower of Christ Church holds a record: it contains the world’s greatest number of bells for round-circle ringing (bells swung a full 360 degrees) in one tower, 19 in all. These large bells, ranging from a ¼ ton to 2¼ tons, are each rung by a rope pulled by a member of the Society of Change Ringers, one of the oldest organisations in the city. To listen to these magnificent bells (usually rung at weekends) is to be transported back to medieval times. At certain hours visitors are invited to try their hand at ringing a bell under supervision.

Speaking of the music of the bronze chimes, the choir of Christ Church, first

inaugurated in 1493, is one of the great experiences to enjoy from a well-timed visit to the cathedral. Members of this same choir were hired, along with singers from nearby St Patrick’s Cathedral, to sing in the world’s first performance of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah. This memorable event took place in the nearby Music Hall on Fishamble Street on 13 April 1742.

In the 1860s the Guinness family (of brewery fame) restored Dublin’s second cathedral, St Patrick’s. This necessary work was carried out to literally prevent the tottering structure from falling down.

Christ Church wasn’t in much better condition at the time and a whiskey distiller, Henry Roe, funded a virtual rebuilding of Christ Church. Also then added was the Synod Hall (now Dublinia, the Viking and Medieval Museum) and the Chapter House. Sometimes, Dubliners are accused of imbibing too much of the black stuff and the ‘water of life’ but, were it not from the profits of alcohol donated wisely, the cathedrals would likely not be standing today. So let’s raise a glass to philanthropic distillers and brewers!

For more information on visiting Christ Church see www.christchurchcathedral.ie Written by Pat Liddy of Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours - www.walkingtours.ie April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Persian Cuisine

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Recommended Pubs in Leinster The Porterhouse

There are three now here in town, but the one on Parliament Street is the best known. part of the increasingly popular micro brewery scene, the Porterhouse produces its own choice of stouts, lagers and craft beers, as well as a choice of others from home and abroad. And they usually have live music playing on the mezzanine.

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Temple Bar, 16-8 St,west, Dublin 2and strolling into the celt is likeParliament taking a trip to the play boys chailĂ­nĂ­01 payfor attention Tel: 679 8847and dance along the way to the early light ÍœÍ•ÇŚÍœÍ– –ƒŽ„‘– •–”‡‡–ǥ †—„Ž‹Â? …‹–› …‡Â?–”‡ ™™™Ǥ–Š‡…‡Ž–Ǥ‹‡ –‡Žǣ ͔͕ ͛͜͜ ͚͙͙͜

The Celt

The Brazen Head

Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is officially Ireland’s oldest pub. The many pictures and scrolls that adorn the walls will transport you back to a time when the famous old pub was frequented by the likes of James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Michael Collins.

You might even spot a famous contemporary face or two in there enjoying the great food and drink or live music and storytelling that the pub is famous for.

20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8 01 677 9549 / 01 679v5186 www.brazenhead.com

Johnnie Fox’s

Set high up in the heart of the Dublin mountains, Fox’s is an institution. Superb food and a unique atmosphere, there’s Irish trad here every night, and at weekends in the afternoons as well. And there’s a shuttle bus that gets you there and back in 30 minutes for a fiver either way. But be sure to book, as it’s one of the most popular pubs in Leinster.

Glencullen, Co Dublin Tel: 01 295 5647

Tap House

Dice Bar Situated on Talbot Street in the heart of Dublin, The Celt Bar is always thronged with locals and visitors thanks to the authentic Irish experience that is on offer there. Visitors can sample the finest Irish whiskeys, beers, ales and stouts and enjoy live traditional music seven nights a week. The Celt also offer traditional Irish food seven days a week. The classic bar menu includes beer battered haddock and traditional beef and Guinness stew. There’s no better place to go to for the full Irish experience than The Celt Bar. 81 Talbot St, Dublin Tel: 01 878 8655 www.thecelt.ie

Grogan’s

This is the regular hang-out for Dublin’s finest writers and painters, or the great unwashed, and the walls inside are decked out with paintings and drawings which can, for a small sum, be purchased. Improbably, it is also part of one of the most fashionable mini crossroads in the city centre. And at weekends, the place is humming.

15 S William St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01 677 9320

Situated on the corner of Benburb Street and Queen Street, near Smithfield Square, at Dice Bar they strive for three things – great drinks, great staff and great music. The welcoming staff offer a range of premium Irish whiskeys and if whiskey isn’t your thing then you have another great option. Dice Bar brew their own beers; the delicious Revolution Red and Augustine With so much choice and a relaxed setting, Dice Bar warrants many return visits. Open from 3pm daily.

93-94 Benburb Street Tel: 01 633 3936 www.thatsitdublin.com

Be prepared to enter into the world of true beer artistry, where friendly knowledgeable staff will guide you to that perfect beverage, served in the especially designed Munique glass, which optimises the aroma, retaining carbonation and cooling until the last drop.

With possibly finest bar food and cocktails in town, your whole party will be catered for in this wonderfully unique establishment.

60 Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: 01 491 3436. www.taphouse.ie

Recommended Pubs in Leinster 57 The Headline

Sin É

JJ Smyth’s

Sin É

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Situated only a short walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral and Teeling Whiskey Distillery, 57 The Headline is the ideal spot to sample the best of Irish Craft Beers and Whiskeys.

With 24 taps dedicated to the best of Irish and International beers, you won’t be stuck for choice. They offer Beer tasting trays from 3 to 9 choices and 5 Whiskey trays. They also serve the best bar food in Dublin 8 and you won’t be paying city centre prices. Visit their website for all products, opening times and more.

Sin É on Ormond Quay is Dublin’s original late night alternative music venue. Whether it’s bluegrass, ska, alternative rock or open mic night’s that you’re looking for, Sin É caters for a range of eclectic tastes. The staff are warm and friendly and will serve you a range of incredible craft beers and cocktails at agreeable prices. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and some of the best musicians in Dublin then Sin É is definitely the place to be.

Clanbrassil St. Lower, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 532 0279 www.57theheadline.ie

14 -15 Ormond Quay Tel: 01 555 4036 & 01 555 4037

With live music six nights a week, JJ Smyth’s is the home of jazz and blues in Dublin. The family run pub is steeped in history and the welcoming atmosphere keeps the loyal regulars coming back for the finest service and some of the best music that Dublin has to offer. JJ’s started out as a family owned grocery store and public house in the 1730’s and is one of the city’s oldest continuous licensed premises.

It was also the birthplace of the famous Irish lyrical poet Thomas Moore, who was born there in 1779. If you love jazz and blues, then you’ll love JJ Smyth’s.

The Liquor Rooms

Doheny & Nesbitt’s

12 Aungier St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 475 2565

Situated under the Clarence Hotel on the quays, the Liquors Rooms offer up a heady mix of retro, vintage decor and a smart modern vibe that the too cool for school hipsters find hard to resist. Once you get in, it’s actually a lot bigger than it seems, and there are all sorts of nooks and crannies for you to get up to who knows what kind of mischief.

One of the oldest and more venerable pubs in Dublin, and traditionally the spot where politicians of old would juggle figures before swinging round the corner and into the Dail to present the next budget. It has now been extended both back and up, so that without sacrificing any of its illustrious history, it is now significantly roomier.

7 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: 087 339 3688

5 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 676 2945

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

Dingle Whiskey Bar

The Dingle Whiskey Bar is a delightful bar nestled beside Porterhouse Central on Nassau St. Walking into the bar, you are welcomed by a beautiful oak interior and a warm welcoming feel. The bar staff are very helpful, recommending many whiskeys and offering samples. And every Tuesday they host a Whiskey Tasting Class from 7pm with whiskey guru Fionnán O’Connor. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the brown stuff and enjoy some delicious whiskey.

Tickets available at the bar for €18.

44 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 677 4810 www.theporterhouse.ie

Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Zaytoon

Zaytoon gives you the chance to choose a healthy eating option and indulge in the guilty pleasure of treating yourself to a scrumptious kebab. More a casual diner than a fast food place, they offer the very best of Persian cuisine. And as well as the one in Temple Bar they’ve opened a second one at the top of Camden Street.

14/15 Parliament St., Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 3595 www.zaytoon.ie

Thornton’s Restaurant

Chez Max

Peploe’s

Feel the spirit of France right here in Dublin!

Chez Max Baggot Street is renowned for its outside seating area. There is a smart garden at restaurant level as well as a sizable terrace on the upper level. The outside areas are wellheated and covered to allow customers to dine outside all year round! In summer, diners flock to Chez Max, Baggot Street to enjoy lunch in the sunshine.

Peploe’s Wine Bistro is a chic and ambient restaurant located in the heart of Dublin City Centre. With it’s cosy lighting and comfortable spacious dining area, it is the perfect place to enjoy a fine meal in a relaxed atmosphere. All produce is sourced from only the best Irish suppliers and prepared to the highest standard.

Located opposite St Stephens Green, Peploe’s is the perfect place to visit for a glass of wine to greet the evening after a twilight stroll in the park.

133 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 661 8899

La Ruelle Wine Bar

This one star Michelin restaurant is, as they say, reassuringly expensive. Which is only as it should be as the man in charge is Ireland’s finest chef, Kevin Thornton. If you have any intention of cementing a relationship, or of instigating a new one, this is the place to take them.

Above the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Stephen’s Green. Tel: 01 478 7008

The Blind Pig

Tucked in opposite the Mansion House, on Joshua Lane, La Ruelle is the ideal venue for an intimate drink, with over 100 different international wines of which 40 are served by the glass. Their menu includes a variety of mouth watering nibbles, tapas and bites served small or large to accompany your wine of choice. Catering for private parties with free car park facilities in R.I.A.C for all customers.

Perfect for the festive season or any events.

3/4 Joshua Lane, Dublin 2 laruelleadmin@laruelle.ie www.laruelle.ie

Marcel’s Restaurant Want to know where to find the best cocktails in Dublin? We know the place but you have to keep it secret. The brainchild of award winning mixologist Paul Lambert and named after the police who turned a blind eye to speakeasies in the prohibition era in the US, The Blind Pig is Dublin’s best kept secret and the perfect place to go to enjoy the finest cocktails and the best food that Dublin has to offer. Originally a pop-up speakeasy bar, The Blind Pig is now in permanent residence and has developed a loyal fanbase thanks to the unique experience that this venue offers. So how do you find them?

Give them a call, book through their website, and await further instructions.

Tel: 085 874 7901 www.theblindpig.ie reservations@theblindpig.ie

16 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 676 3144 www.peploes.com

Salamanca

Located on Andrews Street, near the new home of the Molly Malone statue, Salamanca was one of the first Tapas Bars in the city and remains one of the best. Their Tapas dishes are served by authentic Spanish chefs and they use only the finest quality fresh ingredients. Diners can choose from a wide range of quality Tapas and carefully selected Spanish wines for a truly authentic taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Dublin City.

1 St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 4799 www.salamanca.ie

Mykonos Taverna

Combining elegant Moroccan décor and contemporary design, Marcel’s is a restaurant, bistro and bar that offers the finest French and European inspired food in a warm and friendly environment. Diners can choose from a range of delicious dishes, including Risotto, Pan Roast Monkfish and succulent Roast Rump Lamb while relaxing in the heart of Dublin City.

13 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 660 2367 bookings@marcels.ie www.marcels.ie

Authentic Greek food in the heart of Dublin.

Mykonos Taverna offers traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka, Kleftiko and Souvlaki at incredibly good prices. The staff are friendly and attentive and always on hand to cater to your every need, all you have to do is relax and enjoy your food!

76 Dame Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 561 3745 April 2016 - TrAVEl irElAND MAGAZiNE

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Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Restaurant FortyOne

Under the expert guidance of Graham Neville, Restaurant FortyOne has scooped numerous awards and flourished over the past three years. This is thanks to the superb experience that they offer, eschewing butter and sugar in favour of olive oil, vegetables and fruit juices that are sourced from the restaurant’s own garden. These unique ingredients are used to create fulsome, sumptuous courses, making Restaurant FortyOne the home of fine dining in Dublin.

41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 662 0000 info@restaurantfortyone.ie www.restaurantfortyone.ie

DeSelby’s

DeSelby’s may be a relatively new establishment but they’ve already gained a reputation for great food and great service.

Situated in a beautiful Georgian building on Camden Street, they offer an exciting range of brunch, lunch and dinner options, complemented by an enticing wine list chosen by their award winning sommelier.

9 Camden Street, Dublin 2 087 138 8766, www.deselbys.com

Camden Kitchen

Corfu Greek Restaurant

Corfu Greek Restaurant is a hidden gem situated on Parliament Street. Here, the friendly and attentive staff will serve you some of the finest Greek food at incredibly reasonable prices. Choose from a range of starters, such as calamari and dolmadakia, and then tuck into some delicious traditional Greek main courses, including moussaka, kleftiko and stifado, all washed down with a nice glass of wine from their varied wine list.

12 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 675 0050

Le Bon Crubeen

Frite Haus

Frite Haus offer a unique artisan fast food experience with care and attention given to every aspect of the menu. A relaxed Belgian style ‘Chip Shop’ restaurant, Frite Haus serve authentic Belgian fries with a range of craft sauces and delicious Jane Russell sausages. Jane Russell sausages use only prime fresh cuts of Irish pork, free from preservatives so you know that you are getting the finest, freshest meat.

They also serve a fantastic range of craft beers, including delicious Belgian Trappist Brewery beers. Frite Haus is the only choice for a fine dining experience at very reasonable prices.

87 Camden Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 475 8948 www.frite-haus.com

A culinary gem in the heart of Dublin, Camden Kitchen is the place to go to for lunch or dinner. Their menu changes daily to reflect the best seasonal ingredients available, meaning you know that you’ll be served fresh, seasonal food every time. Diners can choose from beautiful starters such as Irish Line Caught Mackerel, Connemara Crab Meat or Whipped Goats Cheese and then move on to delicious main courses, like Breckland Duck Leg, Irish Rib Eye Beef and Smoked Haddock Risotto, all served up in a wonderful cosy atmosphere by the friendly staff.

3 Camden Market, Grantham Street, D8 Tel: 01 476 0125 www.camdenkitchen.ie

This is one of the best value restaurants in Dublin with a brasserie menu to suit all tastes.

It won the Best Value Restaurant Dublin in “The Dubliner” Top 100 restaurants in 2012, having previously won the Irish Restaurant Awards’ Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Dublin in 2010. Value and quality.

81-2 Talbot St., Dublin 1 Tel: 01 704 1026 www.leboncrubeen.ie

Mexico to Rome

Suesey Street

Café Topolis

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Situated on Parliament St, Café Topolis is one of the best Italian restaurants in town with an extensive menu offering superior Italian cuisine. Best of all, it’s one of the very few places where they cook their pizzas in the traditional wood fired oven.

Suesey Street is Dublin’s new social destination, promising good times in the bar, great food from the kitchen and a relaxed vibe on the outdoor terrace. Located on the corner of Fitzwilliam Place, it is a welcoming space full of atmosphere and comfort, offering an informal approach to drinking and dining.

The food is classed as modern Irish, changes with the season and is very creative - the flavours are awake and the customer is in for a real gourmet experience.

Located in the heart of Temple Bar, Mexico to Rome, Bandito’s Grill House offer a new twist on Mexican dishes such as sizzling Fajitas, their unique Burritos, Tacos, Chili Con Carne, and Tex-Mex Baby Back Ribs in a Southern Comfort BBQ Sauce. They also offer a range of European and Asian dishes. They boast one of the best value earlybird menus in Dublin at €13.50 for a starter and main course, while their lunch special of a starter, main course and a soft drink or a glass of wine for €9.95 is superb value.

37 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 670 4961

26 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.

Tel: 01 669 4600 www.sueseystreet.ie

23 East Essex Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 2727 www.mexicotorome.com

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - ApRIL 2016

Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Pacino’s

Ideally situated on Suffolk Street, just off Grafton Street and opposite Trinity College, Pacino’s offers authentic Italian food in an old world vibe of stylish brickwork, wooden floors and soft lighting. The restaurant offers authentic, rustic Italian cooking with ingredients sourced from only the best local butchers, fishmongers and artisan producers.

18 Suffolk Street Dublin 2 01 677 5651 www.pacinos.ie

Zaragoza

The Spanish city of Zaragoza is any food lover’s idea of paradise. Zaragoza have taken some local delicacies along with some of Spain’s authentic specialties to create a unique dining experience.... seasoned with a generous helping of the homegrown hospitality they are famous for. So come down, sit back and explore the tantalizing recipes created by their chef and enjoy with friends a glass or two of their exquisite handpicked wines.

Open Mon-Sun 12noon - Midnight (last orders) 18 William St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01 679 4020 www.zaragozadublin.com

The Larder Restaurant & Brewhouse

Asador

La Resérve Brasserie

La Resérve is a lively and intimate French Brasserie that serves a modern take on French classics. They focus on simple yet high quality dishes, presented with precision and faithful to true flavours. Open for dinner, brunch and lunch - whether you’re looking for a light snack or an exciting evening meal, La Resérve has something for you.

La Réserve Brasserie, 53 Ranelagh village, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: 01 496 8825 Email: info@lareserve.ie Web: lareserve.ie Twitter: @lareserve1 Facebook: facebook.com/LaReserveBrasserie

Kafka Restaurant An oasis of quality, The Larder offer excellent Brunch, Lunch and Evening menus made from the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.

These dishes are finished off with herbs grown in their own walled garden and complimented by their range of own brand beers. The meal can then be topped off with their own brand coffee; Dublin Roaster.

‘ASADOR’ A Spanish word meaning barbecue, grill or spit. ASADOR Haddington Road opened its doors in November 2012 to great critical acclaim. The idea behind ASADOR is simple; take the best meats our fields can provide, the freshest seafood landed on our shores and cook this great Irish produce over a bespoke built 7 foot barbecue or ‘Asador’.

ASADOR was the first restaurant operation to bring premium level barbecue to the Dublin dining scene. Customers flocked to sample signature dry-aged steaks, lobster, fish and game cooked in the most ancient of ways. Guests can expect the best of old and new world wines, craft beers and of course a range of cocktails from the experienced team of mixologists - the perfect partner for premium barbecued food.

ASADOR, the balance of flames, flavour and food.

1 Victoria House, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4.

Tel: 01 254 5353 www.asador.ie

8 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 633 3581 info@thelarder.ie www.thelarder.ie

The Meeting House

The Meeting House has all bases covered for a great night out, with live music and DJ’s to keep you entertained and delicious, affordable Burmese cuisine served in an ‘Asian Tapas’ style. A wide range of gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available and the staff are super friendly and helpful. They also open for an amazing brunch at the weekends.

Sycamore Street, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 01 670 3330 www.themeetinghousedublin.com

Whether it’s for an Italian coffee, a sweet or savoury snack or a full meal with wine, you can call in here for continental cuisine, exemplary service and great value. They serve lunch, brunch and dinner, offering a fresh healthy menu of delights including Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Tiger Prawn Risotto and as they’re just a short walk from the City Centre, it’s the perfect place to start your night out.

236 Rathmines Rd Lwr., Dublin 6 01 497 7057 www.kafka.ie April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Shopping Irish Linen House

Irish Linen House create handmade tablerunners, placemats and napkins made from the finest Irish linen. Each piece of the collection is uniquely made, fusing historical elements with a modern, contemporary edge and has caught the attention of worldwide stores including Barneys of New York. Their Smithfield store is the perfect place to pick up a unique piece of Ireland.

Unit 1, Malt House Square, Bow Street Smithfield Village, Dublin 7 www.irishlinenhouse.com 01 820 8774

Mitchell & Son

Mitchell & Son have been trading in Dublin since the 19th century and are the only wine company in Ireland that is run by descendants of its founder. They offer high quality wine, champagne and spirits from all over the world, including their Green and Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey, as well as Riedel Glassware. They also run wine appreciation courses that teach you how to get the best from your bottle of wine and give you an understanding of the Irish wine market.

CHQ, IFSC, Dublin 1, 01 612 5540 54 Glasthule Rd. Sandycove, Co. Dublin 01 230 2301 www.mitchellandson.com

ThunderSolas Leather Designs

Kilkenny Design Centre

ThunderSolas provide handmade leather designs for men and women. Their products are made from high quality cow leather and include bags, belts, bracelets, wallets, coin holders and more. Their workshop is also in the shop so customers can see the leather skins that they have in stock and the staff are happy to make adjustments or design new pieces to order. Don’t forget to mention Travel Ireland to avail of a 10% discount.

2 Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 01 6798713, www.thundersolas.com

Kilkenny Design Centre is situated in the heart of Ireland’s Craft capital, Kilkenny City. Once the Castle Stables dating back to 1760’s, Kilkenny Design is now home to three restaurants and a Shop stocking the very best of Irish products including Nicholas Mosse, Max Benjamin, Hairy Fruit Art, Áine Knitwear and Orla Kiely.

Cows Lane Designer Studio

Patrick Donald Photo Gallery

Cows Lane Designer Studio is a colourful, fun retail space run by a group of independent designers and makers. With an eclectic mix of handcrafted, Irish designs including textiles, knitwear, jewellery, millinery, ceramics, prints, homewares and more, there is something for everyone. The perfect place to browse and be inspired!

Unit 2, Essex Street West, Old City, Temple Bar, Dublin 8. Tel: 01 679 8366 Info@clds.ie www.cowslanedesignerstudio.ie

McGuirks Golf

64 Patrick Street, Dublin 8 14 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 616 5671 www.JamArtFactory.com and www.JamArtPrints.com 22

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Situated at the heart of Dublin on Dawson Street, this is a ‘must visit’ if you want to get a quality souvenir of your time in Ireland! Patrick is well known for his black & white Irish landscape and Dublin Street photography. Gift sizes images are reasonably priced at €35. He will even ship them for you anywhere in the world free of charge!

8/9 Royal Hibernian Way Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 681 5225

Designer Exchange

Jam Art Factory

Jam Art Factory was set up in 2011 by brothers John and Mark to showcase the work of Irish artists and designers. It specialises in digital art prints, street art, ceramics and some witty Dublin themed work. It has been shortlisted in The Irish Times “Best Shops in Ireland” 4 years in a row.

Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 2118 www.KilkennyDesign.com

McGuirks Golf are Ireland’s Leading supplier of golf equipment. They are the Official Stockists of major brands such as Nike Golf, Under Armour, Ping, Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Cobra, Adidas, Galvin Green and many more. McGuirks Golf have dedicated PGA Professionals available for advice on a daily basis in all of their 9 stores nationwide.

Unit 4 Airside Retail Pk Swords, Co. Dublin.

01-8833100 www.McGuirksGolf.com

Ireland’s only dedicated pre-loved and authentic designer handbag and accessory store, Designer Exchange stock all the leading designer brands such as DKNY, Louis Vutton and Chanel. They offer incredible savings on these top designer brands and Tax Free shopping to non EU residents.

53 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 612 8080 www.facebook.com/DesignerExchangeLtd

Recommended Shopping Celtic Whiskey Shop

Tights Department

Ireland’s premier whiskey shop has become a mecca for whiskey lovers since it first opened in 2003. They have daily whiskey tastings and the knowledgeable and experienced staff are always on hand to offer their expert advice and guidance. If you’re travelling, the staff are happy to wrap your purchases in protective wrapping and can arrange shipping to national and international destinations.

Tights Dept. is an Irish owned store specialising in Italian legwear. They offer a full range of classic and fashion hosiery: tights, socks (men and women), hold-ups, stockings, leggings and more, they also stock a collection of tops and vests. Top brands: Omsa, Emilio Cavallini, Trasparenze, Omero and Happy Socks.

27 - 28 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 675 9744 / 01 675 9768 www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

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25 Royal Hibernian Way (Anne Street South entrance), Dublin 2 Tel. 085 800 4281 Shop online: www.tightsdepartment.ie (deliver worldwide)

Kilkenny Design Centre

This charming store in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Ireland.

They stock homeware from around the world, including Irish designers - with everything from Irish woollen throws, glass vases and dream trees on offer and the friendly staff are always on hand to offer help and advice.

Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street, Dublin 2 01 679 9268 www.articledublin.com

Mackintosh

by Francis Campelli

Mackintoshes were first produced in Ireland in 1889 and Francis Campelli has been involved in the production of them for almost 40 years so you know you’re in the most experienced hands when you visit this store. They offer the finest quality, waterproof Mackintoshes for men and women from stock or made to measure from €425 as well as a range of leather bags, satchels and accessories.

46 South William Street, Dublin 2 01 608 8608 www.franciscampelli.com

Kilkenny Design Centre is situated in the heart of Ireland’s Craft capital, Kilkenny City. Once the Castle Stables dating back to 1760’s, Kilkenny Design is now home to three restaurants and a Shop stocking the very best of Irish products including Nicholas Mosse, Max Benjamin, Hairy Fruit Art, Áine Knitwear and Orla Kiely.

Bagatt

Bagatt are serious about footwear. With over a hundred year’s experience, the shoes available at Bagatt are all manufactured in Italy and have been developed with craft and style. They stock an exciting range of quality, stylish mens and womens shoes that have remained in tune with fashion trends and meet the every need of the modern shopper.

34 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 01 6489110 www.bagatt.it

The Donegal Shop

Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: +353 56 772 2118 www.KilkennyDesign.com

Kildare Village

Kildare Village is Ireland’s leading luxury shopping destination. With designer boutiques providing fashion and luxuries for the home, Kildare Village offers a unique selection of Irish and international brands with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price, seven days a week and all year round.

www.kildarevillage.com

The Donegal Shop is an independently owned and family run Irish business. They are specialists in Donegal homespun tweeds and knitted products. The store offers a range of knitwear, aran sweaters and accessories for both women and men, all crafted using techniques handed down through generations of Donegal artists.

2nd Floor, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2 01 475 4621 www.thedonegalshop.com

Explore Leinster

The James Joyce Museum In 1904, James Joyce stayed in the Martello Tower in Sandycove as a guest of Oliver St. John Gogarty. Although his stay was short, the Martello Tower became the setting for the opening of Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. The Martello Tower is now the home of the James Joyce Museum, dedicated to the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Open all year round with free admission, the James Joyce Museum has many first editions of Joyce’s work on display. Visitors can also view pictures inspired by Joyce and his work, photographs of the author, his family and his friends, and one of two plaster death masks made by the sculptor Paul Speck.

The James Joyce Museum is a must visit for lovers of literature. www.joycetower.ie

Glendalough

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Guided Tours Glasnevin Cemetery is one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions. Glasnevin Museum proudly tells the story of modern Ireland through interactive exhibitions, re-enactments, lectures and daily walking tours. Visitors learn about the harsh realities of life in Dublin, hear about gravediggers and grave robbers, cholera epidemics, and world wars. A visit inside Daniel O’Connell’s Celtic Romantic designed crypt and iconic tower, the tallest in Ireland, forms part of the tour.

There is also a genealogy research area, where extensive online records can be accessed. The museum shop stocks a terrific collection of Irish crafts, jewellery, mementos, historical books, and other interesting gift items. www.glasnevintrust.ie

Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) Kilmainham Gaol may seem like an unusual place to spend a morning or afternoon but despite its sometimes grim past it makes for a fascinating visit. Built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol served as a prison for 128 years, and tours detail some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show.

Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and cannot be booked in advance.

Tel: 01 453 5984

The Guinness Storehouse

Croke Park

This beautiful glacial valley in County Wicklow is renowned as the place where Cistercian monks settled in the sixth century, and the remains of the monastic priory including a round tower can still be seen today. Known locally as “the valley of the two lakes” , the locals also say it will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.

The early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Tel: 0404 45325/45352.

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Formerly known as the Hop Store, the Guinness Storehouse is laid out over seven floors surrounded by a glass atrium that rises up through its centre. You make your way up on a self-guided tour, where you learn all about the beer’s history, the central part that the Guinness family played in the development of the city, and of the world famous advertising campaigns that did so much to help promote it.

Tours are e16.50, which includes your pint of Guinness in The Gravity Bar on the 7th floor. Which might sound a bit steep for a self-guided tour, but it’s all beautifully laid out and the whole experience is richly rewarding. Tel: 01 408 4800.

Croke Park is the home of Ireland’s national games; Gaelic football and hurling. A tour of the stadium is a tour through Ireland’s rich history. The state of the art visitors experience offers a chance to visit team dressing rooms, go pitchside and take a seat in the VIP area.

The museum tells the story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day and offers visitors the chance to try out their own football and hurling skills.

If you’re feeling brave and have a head for heights, then why not take the incredible Skyline Tour? Visitors ascend a 44 metre walkway to take in panoramic views of the city from the top of the stadium and allows visitors to find out about key Dublin landmarks from five viewing platforms along the stadium. www.crokepark.ie www.skylinecrokepark.ie

Explore Leinster

Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin

Avondale House and Forest Park

The Old Jameson Distillery Experience the Old Jameson Distillery whiskey tour and let expert guides take you back in time as they lead you through the fascinating story of Jameson Irish Whiskey.

At the end of the tour, all visitors are rewarded with a complimentary dram of whiskey at the Jameson Bar and partake in a comparison whiskey tasting session where you will learn how to tell the differences between Scotch, Irish, and American whiskey. The tour finishes at the exclusive gift store where people may choose to buy a personalised bottle or a memento of their visit. Dublin is a city famous for its whiskey and a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is essential for any person looking to explore, sightsee or even just enjoy themselves and have a drink.

Open Daily from 9am-6pm Tel: 01 8072348/ 2316

If you really want to get to know a city, then walking around with an informed, entertaining, professional guide is often the best way to discover its history, charms and hidden treasures.

Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin have been offering their famous tours for over a decade and they cover many aspects of the city both with scheduled and private tour programmes. The scheduled walks are provided all year round with two or three times daily departures from March onwards. Special event tours include St Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Festival, James Joyce’s Bloomsday and the Bram Stoker Festival among others. Private tours geared to the topic of your own choice can be arranged for any time. Subject to availability, tours can be provided in the main European languages.

In this centenary year of the Easter Rising of 1916 there are exciting tours dedicated to this momentous event, a pivotal episode in Irish history which eventually led to Irish Independence in 1922 after 750 years of British rule.

Avondale House was the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell (18461891), one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres, there are tree trails and walks ranging in duration from one to five hours.

Visitors are introduced to this wonderful historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation.

Other facilities include a licensed café, bookshop, picnic areas, children’s play area, three orienteering courses (maps can be downloaded at www.coillteoutdoors.ie) and a large car/coach park.

Tel: 0404 46111 www.heritageisland.com

Story of the Irish

Full details can be found on www.walkingtours.ie, by emailing to info@walkingtours.ie or by telephoning to 01 832 9406.

Casino Marino, Dublin The Casino was designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfield, 1st Earl of Charlemont, and is one of the finest 18th century neo-classical buildings in Europe. The Casino, meaning “small house”, and notwithstanding its name, contains 16 finely decorated rooms, endlessly rich in subtlety and design. It is a remarkable building, both in terms of its structure and its history.

The Casino is located at Marino, just off the Malahide Road and only three miles north of the centre of Dublin.

Open 10-5pm, admission €3 or €1 for students and children.

Tel 01 833 1618

The National Museum of Ireland The Museum is recognised as Ireland’s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish material heritage, culture and natural history in the world. With three locations in Dublin covering Archaeology, Natural History and the Decorative Arts and one location in Mayo covering Country Life, you can lose yourself for hours in the many exhibitions detailing all aspects of Irish life down through the ages. Admission to the museum is free all year round.

Tel 01 677 7444

A unique attraction using live actors and cinema: Experience 9,000 years of Irish cultural triumphs, feel their proud defiance as they fight against annihilation, witness their heart wrenching famine, and rejoice at their unbelievable rise from the ashes. This is a great starting point to any vacation, giving context to; Ireland’s Ancient East and West, Newgrange, the Vikings, St Patrick, the Book of Kells, Invasion, the British, Famine, 1916 Rebellion and Modern Ireland. Open daily 10am to 7pm. Duration 1 hour. Located in central Dublin.

Tel: 01 873 3537 www.storyoftheirish.ie April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Welcome to Munster Munster is the most southerly of the four provinces of Ireland and stretches from Tipperary in the South Midlands to Waterford in the South East, and from Clare, Limerick and Kerry down to Cork in the South.The entire area is famed for Irish traditional music, song and dance. There are many ancient castles and monasteries in the province, and coupled with the vast green countryside and its three cities (Limerick, Cork and Waterford) Munster is a must see destination for tourists.

Cork at night

Lismore Castle Bunratty Castle in County Clare is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

Travelling down the coast, Limerick is the next port of call which this year has been designated as Ireland’s first City of Culture.

From theatres to outdoor music events, museums to festivals, Limerick has an eclectic mix of sights and sounds to suit all tastes.

Reginald’s Tower

County Limerick also incorporates the Foynes Estuary with its world famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum. The museum tells the story of the Pan Am Clipper aircraft which brought commercial flights from America to our shores, landing in the estuary itself. It includes the only full-scale model of a Boeing B-314 Flying Boat anywhere in the world.

The Rose of Tralee is the most famous Festival in Kerry and this internationally acclaimed festival comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a truly Irish experience.

The festival celebrates its 55th year this year and commences with the International Rose Ball on the 15th of August before culminating with the selection of the 2014 Rose of Tralee in the magnificent dome four days later. There is a packed programme of events during the week for all to enjoy.

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One of Munster’s most famous landmarks the Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary is the historical seat of the Kings of Munster. The outcrop on which the Castle and grounds stand is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Munster. The spectacular group of medieval buildings are set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale and include the 12th century round tower, the High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, the 13th century Gothic cathedral, the 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.

Tel: 062 61437 Email: rockofcashel@opw.ie County Cork is well worth the drive as it has sandy beaches, the wonderful Blarney Castle, Foto Wildlife Park and golf course, wonderful coastlines and a city nightlife to rival any of that in Europe. Travel from east to west or north to south in this sprawling county and there is a view, an historical point of interest or an adventure to explore.

Finally at the extreme South East of the island of Ireland is Waterford. Waterford is the capital of the ‘Sunny South East of Ireland’

Blarney Castle

and Ireland’s oldest city. The city and county is famous throughout the world as the home of Waterford Crystal. A visit to the House of Crystal visitor centre includes an opportunity to choose from the world’s largest selection of Waterford Crystal. The factory tour offers first hand access to all areas of traditional crystal production.

County Waterford offers a dazzling 147 kilometres coastline, with 49 beaches, beautiful river valleys, lakes and two dramatic ranges of very accessible mountains.

Explore Munster

Cliffs of Moher

Stretching for eight kilometres along the coastline and standing at 214 metres at their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher give the visitor a panoramic view out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It is said that on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, over the twelve pins and the Blasket Islands off the coast of Kerry. When there you really should ascend O’Briens Tower which has been used as a viewing point for centuries past.

Jameson Experience, Midleton Co.Cork

The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum has artefacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Olmec civilisation. There is also an important collection of Irish archaeological material ranging from Neolithic flints, Bronze Age material, and Christian art.

One of the strengths of the collection is the medieval material, which include statues in stone and wood, painted panels, jewellery, enamels, ivories, ceramics, crystal and crucifixes. Plus work from Picasso, Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore.

Tours run all day, last tour 16.30pm. Adult rate is €15.00 and save 10% on adult admission by booking in advance online. bookings@jamesonwhiskey.com

The Ring of Kerry (Irish: Mórchuaird Chiarraí) is not a ring in the conventional sense but a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry. The scenery along this route is spectacular to behold and the route takes you through the Gap of Dunloe, the Bog Village, past Rossbeigh Beach, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, The Blue Pool, Ross Castle, the Ogham Stones, and many more visitor attractions.

Bunratty Castle

Tel: 061 312 833 www.huntmuseum.com

Titanic Experience Cobh

Join the whiskey Masters for a guided tour through the romantic past of Irish whiskey making. Learn about the Angels Share, Triple Distillation and above all the smooth taste of Jameson Irish Whiskey. The Old Midleton Distillery stands on the banks of the Dungourney river in Midleton. It is a distillery steeped in history and provides both a cultural and educational experience.

The old distillery buildings have been restored to their original splendor, as they looked in 1805 when whiskey was first produced on this site.

Each tour culminates in the Jameson Bar with a complimentary glass of Jameson and a chance to become a “Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster”. Visitors can also enjoy a delicious lunch in the Malt House Restaurant or browse the Distillery shop, where you will find exclusive Jameson gifts.

Ring of Kerry

Bunratty Castle in County Clare is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Browse the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past.

Blarney Castle Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town (formerly known as Queenstown) the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The visitor experience is presented in two parts. The first is an immersive audio visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Queenstown on April 11th 1912.

The second part of the Titanic Experience examines how it all went wrong. The unbelievable and “almost” impossible sequence of events that occurred to cause Titanic to sink.

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. This is probably because of the famous stone you will see at the top of the tower. People from all over the world have climbed up there to kiss it in the hope of acquiring the gift of the gab.

www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie

Tel: 021 438 5252 April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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West Waterford Festival of Food

T

he sunny South East is set for some gastronomical delights as the West Waterford Festival of Food returns to Dungarvan for its ninth edition from 15 -17 April. For three days the beautiful coastal town of and its surrounding countryside will welcome some of Ireland’s finest chefs, producers and stall-holders. Focusing on fresh new talent and innovators, the West Waterford Festival of Food combines fabulous food and drink, engaging events, pop up restaurants and much more, making it a foodies’ dream.

Following the success of last year’s festival which celebrated Generations in Irish Food, the theme this year will be The Changing Kitchen; shining a spotlight on the up-and-coming faces in Irish food and the trends that are set to dominate the culinary world.

The Tannery provides one of the highlights this year when it hosts a hotly anticipated pop-up dinner by Robin Gill.

Dublin-born chef Gill will open his third restaurant, Paradise Garage in Bethnal Green, this year and continues to light up the London culinary scene.

Three of the finest chefs based in Ireland, Mickael Viljanen, Graham Neville and Kieran Glennon will host Sunday lunch.

This is a unique opportunity for festivalgoers to experience some of the finest cooking currently happening on this island.

Another highlight focusing on The 28

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Changing Kitchen is the aptly titled Gourmet Garbage Dinner. Louise Clark of Nude Food hosts a food waste dinner at her Dungarvan café. Addressing the issue of food waste in the restaurant industry, Louise will be joined by chef Michael Quinn, food writer and journalist Dee Laffan and chef and food writer Joe McNamee for conversation highlighting the many uses for food which would normally get thrown away while guests dine on the delightful dishes on offer.

There will be a number of townhall demos as part of The Changing Kitchen.

Javier Garduno of El Sombrero will join Lily Ramirez Foran to highlight a selection of Mexican cooking skills, while Kwanghi Chan, previously of The Cliff House Hotel, will give a masterclass in Asian street food.

There’s a jam-packed schedule of events on the theme of The Changing Kitchen

to keep the kids happy too. The next generation of chefs will have the chance to shine with events such as Busy with Biscuits, as well as workshops including one for little pizza chefs and some historic fun at King John’s Castle.

Seafood Saturday also returns this year.

With fun activities by the water, sensational seafood and beautiful views along the quayside, Seafood Saturday is an event that showcases the heritage of this seaside town.

The Farmer’s Market is a key event, taking place on 17 April. One of the largest artisan food markets on the island, and with over 90 stalls, the Farmer’s Market is the perfect showcase for the best producers and artisans of the region.

The festival is delighted to introduce The Health Hub to its programme this year. With nutrition now a hot topic, the festival has created an area dedicated to the latest health and wellness food trends.

Talks include The Spice of Life with medical herbalist Ain e Marie O’Reilly and a panel discussion which will examine the rise of fad diets called Is Healthy Eating Killing Us? The kitchen certainly is changing as we open our minds and our palates to dishes from all over the world. This is to be embraced and celebrated and there’s no better place to do that than at the West Waterford Festival of Food. www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

Cobh

The harbour town that has it all

Situated on the shores of the second largest natural harbour in the world, Cobh is only 30 minutes by car or train from Cork City. The town is steeped in history and culture where every person, every pier and even the stunning architecture has a story to tell.

T

he Titanic’s last port of call before embarking on her fatal maiden voyage, Cobh is situated in the lush coastal playground that is Cork Harbour. Backed by rolling hills, it is a destination of choice for anyone who just loves to be by the sea. An abundance of tourist attractions and activities make Cobh the ideal spot for your next get away; be it a day trip, overnight, weekend or longer break. There is plenty to see and do whatever your interests.

As well as having some great on land attractions such as Cobh Heritage Centre, Titanic Experience Cobh, Cobh Road Train, St. Colman’s Cathedral and the Titanic Memorial Garden, getting on the water provides a great experience too.

Self-Drive boat tours with Cork Harbour Boat Hire, sea angling and sailing tuition and a visit to Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island, are fantastic experiences. A myriad of festivals and events compliment the views, scenery, attractions and activities that

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Cobh has to offer.

April sees the first of over fifty Cruise Liners visit Cobh, with these magnificent ships tying up right in the centre of town. The Titanic Memorial ceremony and the unveiling of the recovered Anchor from the gun running ship the Aud along with the laying of a wreath in honour of her brave crew will take place in April, then its action all the way throughout the summer with a succession of events.

In May Cobh’s first ever Readers and Writers Festival (14 - 15 May) and first Ukulele Festival (27 - 29 May) will take place. The Cork Harbour Festival (4 - 12 June) incorporates the Ocean to City rowing race from the mouth of Cork Harbour to Cork City on 4 June.

There will be free events on Sunday 5 June, including crab fishing from the Promenade, while Cobh’s natural amphitheatre will also play host to the South of Ireland Pipe Band Championships.

The Venture Cup Powerboat race

will be a magnificent spectacle in Cork Harbour on Sunday 12 June. The Formula 1 of Powerboat Racing, Cobh offers a spectacular vantage point to enjoy the thrills of this world class event.

In June 2016, Cobh’s maritime connections are strongly embraced when the annual Trad Sail Festival joins forces with the former Sea Shanty festival to bring it back to life and create a mighty weekend of activities and fun. Summer Swing sessions and live music on the Victorian bandstand in the Promenade on the water front will also be a feature of every Sunday afternoon from May until September Australia Day in Cobh is celebrated on 11 July 2016. To mark the arrival of a ship full of Australians to Cobh as part of their around the world 104 night cruise, the town will roll out the red carpet for the sixth time and celebrate “down under – right here” while giving the Australians a taste of Cobh hospitality, free open air entertainment and craic.

One of the highlights of the summer each year in Cobh is the annual regatta

which takes place every August. This three day festival is a land lubber’s feast of entertainment.

Cobh people are justifiably proud of Sonia O’Sullivan whose statue now stands in her hometown, with St. Colman’s Cathedral as a backdrop. The statue is a magnificent work of art that needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Having produced a world class athlete, it is no surprise then that Cobh hosts many high profile sporting events each year.

The Jailbreak Triathlon sees participants swim from Spike Island and then go on to complete both the running and cycling section of the triathlon, finishing in the town centre.

The Great Island 10 mile Road Race which takes place in April has been voted the best 10 mile Road Race for three years in a row. This year, Sonia O’Sullivan’s home club, Ballymore Cobh Athletic Club, will host a half marathon event in August and the annual Cork to Cobh Road Race takes place in October.

Cobh and Cork Harbour play host to the European Federation of Sea Anglers European Boat Championship in September and securing this event is a testament to the superb angling that Cork Harbour and its approaches have to offer.

Also in September, Cobh Blues Festival celebrates a decade in existence. This three day festival is full of free live music in several venues around the town and attracts musicians and tourists from all around the world each year.

Cobh will once again be alive with events and activities this year to compliment a wide range of tourist attractions, making it the perfect spot for your next get away.

www.visitcobh.com

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Recommended Restaurants in Munster The Strand Inn

Tel: 051 878203 www.waterfordcastleresort.com/munsterroom-restaurant

Out of the Blue

Overlooking Hook Head, The Strand Inn is the perfect place to enjoy lingering breakfasts, relax over a long lunch or enjoy intimate, romantic suppers. Diners can look forward to the finest Irish beef, lobster and line caught seafood in a luxurious setting, characterised by beamed ceilings, original stone walls and planked floors.

Dunmore East, Co.Waterford.

Tel: 051 383 174 www.thestrandinn.com

The Ventry Skipper

This little gem is just what the weary traveller needs after a day of sight seeing-with amazing views accompanied by great seafood and an extensive wine list you really cant go wrong.

Ventry, Co Kerry Tel: 066 915 9853

The Munster Room Restaurant

They serve only the freshest, most succulent fish and shellfish here, which they have delivered every day, literally, from the sea outside their front door. And if there’s no fish on a particular day, then they won’t open the restaurant. A certain Mr. Paul Hewson, aka Bono is a fan. So book early to avoid disappointment.

Small quaint front room restaurant with locally sourced high quality ingredients making this little gem a must visit when in Dingle.

Dingle Harbour. Tel: 066 915 0811

Dykgate St., Dingle. Tel: 086 660 3778

Grey’s Lane Bistro

The Smugglers Inn

Grey’s Lane Bistro is a cosy, family run restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or something more substantial, the friendly staff are on hand to look after you.

They serve delicious fresh fish straight off the boat and all of their desserts and brown bread are homemade. A great place to eat in the heart of Dingle town.

The Smugglers Inn is a family run restaurant that is ideal for casual lunch, fine dining or that special occasion. The restaurant has been praised by gastronomic writers from all over the world and is a Bord Failte award winner.

It’s not hard to see why. The Smugglers Inn pride itself on serving fresh local produce, from seafood to organic vegetables. Add in the spectacular views and friendly service and you have the perfect dining experience.

La Bohéme Restaurant & Wine Bar

Waterford Castle, The Island, Co. Waterford 32

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2 George’s St., Waterford. Tel: 051 875 645 www.labohemerestaurant.ie

An Canteen

Grey’s Lane, Dingle, Co. Kerry 066 915 2770, www.greyslanebistro.com

The Munster Room Restaurant at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort was awarded 2AA Rosettes in 2001 and currently continues this elite standard further confirmed with multiple awards and its review in the 2015 Michelin Guide. With its warm ambience, wonderful oak paneled walls, ornate ceiling, and further complemented by an extensive wine cellar and exciting seasonal menus it’s easy to see why it’s such a winning choice. Using the finest local produce, gifted head chef Michael Thomas and his culinary team continually create dishes with intense flavors that will tantalize and satisfy every food lover’s palate and create a truly memorable fine dining experience.

fine dining and wine bar with bistro menu options, qualifies La Boheme as a hidden gem in the heart of Waterford City.

Tues - Sat 5:30pm until late (Open bank holiday Sundays)

La Boheme offers a unique experience for lovers of fine dining, with its location in the basement of one of Waterford’s foremost prestigious buildings. Head Chef Eric Theze uses fresh locally sourced produce, providing guests with exquisitely presented delectable dishes. Christine ensures that all are greeted with a warm welcome, with the belief in treating each guest as if they are being welcomed into their own home. A blend of

Cliff Road, Waterville, Co. Kerry Tel: 066 9474330 www.thesmugglersinn.ie

The Lobster

Whether you’re looking for lunch, a casual dinner or just a quiet pint, the friendly staff at The Lobster are sure to look after your every need. Situated in the seaside town of Waterville, it’s no surprise that The Lobster serve some of the best seafood in Kerry and their beef and Guinness stew is also spoken of very highly by all who have sampled it.

Waterville, Co. Kerry. Tel: 066 9474629

Recommended Pubs in Munster Jack Meades (under the bridge) Set on 5 acres of impeccably kept lawns, this sprawling complex boasts a number of bars.

The old world bar it has dates back to 1705, whilst its lime kiln and ice house were built around 1860. But there is also a modern bar, and an extensive beer garden looking down over the gardens and streams. And good quality food is served here throughout the day.

Dunmore Rd, Waterford Tel: 051 850 950

The Bierhaus

There are over 220 different beers to choose from here, including 6 rotating guest draught taps and a cask. So whether you are looking for a bottle or draught, an international or an Irish beer, there’s a reasonably good chance you’ll find it here. And they spend as much time on getting the atmosphere right as they do on choosing their beers.

An Brog

An Brog has been attending to fans of alternative and indie music for over 20 years now, and they’ve a constantly evolving roster of Djs and live bands catering to all and every musical taste. And best of all, they are open til 2 in the morning, seven days a week.

72-73 Oliver Plunkett St, Cork Tel: 021 427 0074

Buckley’s Bar

The oak panelled walls and turf fire are the perfect accompaniment to the many musicians who drop in here for the impromptu sessions that seem to be forever going on here. Both bar and hotel have been welcoming visitors since it opened in 1926. And many people either begin their trip around the kingdom there, or base themselves there for its duration.

The Arbutus Hotel, College St, Killarney, Co Kerry.

Tel: 064 663 1037

Dick Mack’s

Named after the leather craftsman, this small and gloriously “busy” pub still sells hand made leather ware inside at the shop to one side. Its walls are drowned in archaic photographs, and outside there’s a star studded pavement where the likes of Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery and Julia Roberts have left their mark. For many, many people, this is what they imagine when they conjure up the image of an Irish pub.

Greene St, Dingle, Co Kerry Tel: 066 915 1960

Pope’s Quay, Cork Tel: 021 455 1648

Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant Dolan’s is made up of three venues, two outdoor areas, a traditional Irish pub and a restaurant. So there’s music here every day of the week, and they’ll serve you your breakfast, lunch and dinner as you require. Some of the many guests who’ve enjoyed their hospitality include Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Sharon Shannon and Imelda May. 3-4 Dock Rd, Limerick Tel: 061 314 483 (ext 1)

S

Great Irish Writers

Samuel Beckett

amuel Beckett was one of the most influential figures in 20th century literature. A prolific writer in both French and English, Beckett was a poet, playwright and novelist whose darkly comic and absurdist work has influenced the likes of John Banville, Aidan Higgins, Tom Stoppard and Harold Pinter.

Beckett was born in 1906 in Foxrock, Dublin.

He attended Earlsfort House School until the age of fourteen, when he moved to the Portora Royal School in Fermanagh, which is the same school that another great Irish writer, Oscar Wilde, attended.

Beckett once said of his childhood: “ I had little talent for happiness.” He suffered from severe bouts of depression and these episodes would later influence his writing.

He studied English, Italian and French at Trinity College, graduating in 1927. A year later he moved to Paris, a city that he would spend most of the rest of his life in. He became a devoted student of James Joyce before leaving Paris in 1931. For the next few years he travelled through Britain, France and Germany, writing poems and short stories to support himself. It was during this time that he met many interesting people who would prove the inspiration for characters in his later work.

Beckett returned to Paris in 1937 and met piano student Suzanne Dechevaux-Dumesnil, who he would later marry. When World War II broke out, he chose to remain in Paris and joined the French Resistance. For his work with the Resistance, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery and after the war, he entered into the most prolific period of his career. In the space of five years he wrote; the plays Eleutheria, Waiting for Godot and Endgame,

the novels Molloy, Malone Dies, The Unnamable and Mercier et Camier, two books of short stories, and a book of criticism.

This work brought Beckett great acclaim. His unique style didn’t focus so much on plot but more on the elements of the human condition, which he explored in dark and humorous ways, an approach famously described by Martin Esslin as, “Theatre of the Absurd”. From the 1950’s onwards, he also wrote for radio, television and cinema and was eventually awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. As he was never fond of the spotlight, Beckett didn’t attend the ceremony and gave the prize money away.

While this action may make Beckett seem somewhat of a recluse, he was actually quite generous with his time, often visiting other writers.

One story, involving the most unlikely person, highlights that generosity.

In 1953, Becket bought some land outside of Paris and asked the locals to help him build a cottage there. One of the locals who helped him was a man named Boris Roussimoff, whose son was having trouble getting to school because he was too big to fit on the school bus, standing at 6ft 3” and weighing 240 Ib at the age of twelve. As a thank you to Boris for helping build the cottage, Beckett drove the boy to school every day in his truck. That boy would eventually grow up to be a renowned WWE wrestler and star of The Princess Bride, André The Giant.

Beckett remained in France for the rest of his life and died on 22 December 1989 at the age of 83.

He left behind a tremendous body of work that will no doubt be revered for generations to come.

James Earley - Artist You may not have heard of James Earley but chances are, if you’ve ever strolled through Dublin, you’ve seen his work. A street artist, James’ work can be seen all over the city - the striking mural on Bloom’s Hotel in Temple Bar being just one example. Now you have the chance to see James’ work up close with the launch of the new limited edition Jameson Whiskey bottle that he designed.

A love of art is engrained in James. His family ran the stained glass window company Earley Studios in Dublin for over 100 years and he first became interested in street art and graffiti in his teenage years. It is this mix of street art and stained glass techniques that inspires James’ work and it wasn’t long before he moved from graffiti to larger scale work.

“The thrill of going out at night painting stuff was outweighed by planning something that’s going to take two or three days to paint, that’s going to be really large scale and really impactful,” he says of his reasons for moving into street art. It was certainly the right move, with his work having appeared in cities all over the world, including New York, London, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, as well as his native Dublin.

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about what makes Dublin great. “When I think of Dublin, it’s the people within it that make the city what it is,” he says. “When you look at the bottle design and the label, you can various different dots and lines that link up those dots and that’s a very literal interpretation of that concept.”

The bottle is beautiful and contains incredible detail, with the bridges of Dublin featured prominently on it. “There’s a new bridge built every five to ten years in Dublin at the moment,” says James. “So you can really see different architectural styles that are very much evocative of certain periods of architecture in the city.”

This striking bottle is going to showcase James’ love of the city worldwide as there have been half a million bottles produced and it is set to enter into 36 markets globally and James is delighted that his work be associated with such an iconic Irish brand. He also has a number of other upcoming projects this year, as well as running iverna. ie, an online gallery of Irish artists. The future looks bright for this incredibly talented Irish artist. www.jamesearleyart.com www.jamesonwhiskey.com/ie/article/james-earley

GROGANS 15 South William Street Telephone 066 9320 Host to a continuous changing art exhibition

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Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort

Y

ou can truly leave your worries at the shore with a trip to Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort.

This stunning hotel and resort, situated on a 310 acre private island near Waterford City offers a range of beautiful rooms in the castle as well as their 45 family friendly lodges and an amazing 18 hole golf course.

Their Golf Club boasts an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course, designed

by Des Smyth, former Ryder Cup Player and Vice-Captain. It combines the best of parkland and woodland areas including numerous scenic and strategically challenging features . There are first-class practice facilities including a 300-yard driving range, practice green, short game area with chipping and putting greens, and a cutting-edge golf performance center.

Their highly skilled team are on hand to help fine tune your game. All of this is set beside an expansive golf clubhouse, which features a function room for private events, men’s and ladies locker rooms and a golf shop that supplies the latest in golfing trends and fashion.

They island resort offers top quality food in the Munster Room Restaurant, which has recently been recognised with

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a slew of awards at the Chef Ireland Food and Beverage Competition held in Dublin.

Critically acclaimed in the 2015 Michelin Guide and holder of two AA Rosettes, it’s not hard to see how the Munster Room did so well at these awards. Walking in, you are greeted by a warm ambience, wonderful oak paneled walls and ornate ceilings. The exciting seasonal menus that use only the finest local produce are complemented by an extensive wine cellar and the attentive staff are always on hand to cater to your every need. Gifted head chef Michael Thomas and his award winning team continue to create dishes with intense flavours that will tantalise every food lover’s palate and create a truly memorable fine dining experience.

Head Chef Michael himself won Gold and was a Class Winner in the Duck Competition - Senior Class at the Chef Ireland Food and Beverage Awards 2016.

Other winners from the team included; Stanislav Cicon, The Island Resort’s SousChef who won Gold and Class Winner for the Mystery Basket Competition, Paula Hannigan, The Island Resort’s Pastry Chef who won Gold and Class Winner in the Mystery Basket Competition and Ondrej

Kunc, The Island Resort’s Chef de Partie who won Bronze Medal in the Lamb Competition, Senior Class.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury King & Queen Castle stay, a quiet family getaway, an exquisite fine dining experience or a chance to improve your golf game, the highly skilled staff at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort will be on hand to take care of your every need.

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, The Island, Ballinakill, Waterford Tel. + 353 (0)51 878 203 Email. info@waterfordcastleresort.com www.waterfordcastleresort.com www.facebook.com/WaterfordCastle/ www.twitter.com/waterfordcastle https://www.instagram.com/waterford_castle/ GPS codes: Latitude: 52.25218674 Longitude: -7.0580291

236 Lower rathmines road, dubLin 6 teL: 01-4977057

See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal manufactured before your eyes

Guided Factory Tours Daily Waterford Brand & Visitor Experience

On social media:

Book online at www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com and receive a 10% discount on adult tickets

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Email: houseofwaterfordcrystal@wwrd.com Phone: +353 (0) 51 317000

Theatre Royal, Waterford April is a month that promises many a night’s great entertainment in Theatre Royal Declan O’Rourke makes his long awaited return to the Waterford stage on Friday 8 April. This iconic singer songwriter has achieved critical acclaim for his performances. Paul Weller said of O’Rourke’s song ‘Galileo’ that it’s possibly the greatest song written in the last thirty years.

The classical offering for April is The Esposito Quartet. The quartet comprises four musicians with a common love of the string quartet treasury of repertoire. They will perform Haydn’s String Quartet Op.76 No 1, Esposito’s String Quartet Op 60 and Schubert’s Quartet No.14 ‘Death and the Maiden’.

Following the runaway international success of Forgotten and Silent, Fishamble presents Pat Kinevane’s third solo play Underneath - a blackly comic, rich and vivid tale of a life lived in secret, a testament to the people who live on the fringes, under the nose of everyday life. The play is on Friday 22 April. The night afterwards, on Saturday 23, Silent appears once more on stage. If you have not seen this play yet, do not miss it this time – it will stay with you for a long time afterwards. Funny, sad and brilliant in equal measure, Pat Kinevane is one of our greatest actors.

After a seven year break from stand-up, during which she had

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more babies, made a movie in Vietnam and became the mother of Moone Boy, Deirdre O’Kane returns with a brand new show. What has she learned from being a mum, achieving the glory of a Midlife crisis and chasing after collagen as it attempts to leave her life forever? She reveals all (well nearly all) in 1Dee on Friday 29 April.

A Victorian gem of a theatre hidden inside a beautiful Georgian building in the heart of Waterford Viking Triangle, Theatre Royal is Ireland’s oldest working theatre in continuous use. The building has undergone a complete renovation to bring it to state of the art comfort for a treat of a night out.

Contact the box office for details on all upcoming shows or look online on www.theatreroyal.ie

OOTB

Out of the Blue Seafood

Dinner daily from 5.30pm and Sunday Lunch Reservations +353-6691-50811 www.outoftheblue.ie Dingle

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Connemara

Mussel Festival A FeAST FOR THe e SeNSeS

T

he Connemara Mussel Festival is a celebration of the people, food, culture and heritage of northwest Connemara. Taking place in the village of Tullycross from 29 April to 1 May, the festival has gone from strength to strength, winning the McKenna’s Guides Food Festival of 2014 in the process. This year’s festival promises to be the best yet with competitions, demonstrations and a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained.

There will be demonstrations from top chefs, including Jess Murphy of Kai Restaurant in Galway, Tim O’Sullivan of Renvyle House Hotel and Michael O’Meara of Oscar’s Seafood Bistro. Michael will also be on hand to sign copies of his book, Seafood Gastronomy, which has been shortlisted for the Best Book in the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2016. Elsewhere there will be an Amateur Chef Competition for best mussel recipe

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and the ever popular GMIT student chef competition.

As well as the gastronomic delights on show, there will also be a whole host of other activities to enjoy. These include guided walks around Connemara’s beautiful scenery, drama presentations, children’s storytelling and talks on a wide range of subjects from organic vegetable growing to local archaeology.

Visitors can also enjoy the artisan markets

and then take in the craic in the local pubs in the evening time. There will also be musical performances from Sean Keane and the Galway Choir, Cois Cladaigh.

There’s no better place to spend a bank holiday weekend than in the majestic surrounds of Connemara and with so much to enjoy at the Connemara Mussel Festival, visitors can be sure of an unforgettable weekend in the west. www.connemaramusselfestival.com

Welcome to Connaught

Macnas Festival Parade This Fierce Beauty

The province of Connaught lies in the West of Ireland with its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway and Roscommon make up this geographically diverse region with the Atlantic Ocean to its westerly boundary, and the midlands of Roscommon to the East. It is the least populated with a population of just over 400,000.

Historically, Connaught has retained its rich Gaelic heritage and today still has communities where the Irish language only is spoken amongst them. But English is the primary second language. These regions are collectively called the Gaeltacht. The remote and beautiful Aran Islands off the mainland of County Galway are also part of the Gaeltacht.

The primary business centre of Connaught, and the most densely populated area is the thriving city of Galway to the south of the province. Although Sligo City, Carrick on Shannon, and Boyle are all fine business and shopping centres in their own right.

Galway city

Connaught has some Carrick on Shannon of the most scenic and unspoilt countryside to be found in Ireland, including the spectacular mountainous landscape of Connemara, the lock gates and river banks of the Shannon Waterway, the famed Galway Bay and the historic glens of County Leitrim.

Couple these with the beautiful Ashford the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition Castle in Mayo near to Cong where the of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches film The Quiet Man was filmed, and the back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to natural serenity of Lough Key Forest Park the present day without interruption. Croagh in Roscommon, and a tour of this region is a Patrick is renowned today for its Patrician must for all.

Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, For those interested in a religious experience Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit Mayo is famed for Knock Shrine where on of the mountain that Saint Patrick is said to the 21st August, 1879, at about 8 o’clock, Our have fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist custom of trekking up the mountain has been are reputed to have appeared. The apparition faithfully handed down from generation to was seen by fifteen people whose ages ranged generation. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the from six years to seventy-five and included picturesque town of Westport, and its conical men, women and children. The shrine has shape soars majestically above the surrounding become so popular in modern times that the countryside with magnificent views of Clew Ireland West International Airport was built Bay beneath. especially in 1985 to cater for the hundreds So, whether it’s water activities on the Atlantic of thousands of pilgrims and visitors to coastline, cruising on the Shannon Waterway, Connaught. religious pilgrimages, chilling out amongst The county also features the pilgrimage site an unspoilt landscape or driving along roads known as Croagh Patrick, which overlooks where motoring is still a pleasure, Connaught Clew Bay in County Mayo. This is considered has it all.

Galway Theatre Festival

T

he Galway Theatre Festival is a nine day celebration of the best of Ireland’s vibrant theatre and performance scene. Running from 29 April until 7 May, the Festival will welcome 32 different shows, across all of the city’s theatres, along with performances in some unusual locations. The festival showcases the energy and imagination of talented, emerging theatre-makers from the West, while also playing host to some of the best young theatre companies and artists from all over the country The city’s hottest emerging theatremakers will present a number of premiers during the festival. My Poet Dark and Slender, adapted from the short story by Pádraig Ó Conaire, was developed by director Róisín Stack as part of the Druid Theatre FUEL Emerging Artist Residency, while P.I.S.C.E.S., by artist John Rogers, is a new work that follows on the success of his 24-hour long show, ARTIST SCIENTIST PRIEST, which featured in last year’s festival, as well as the Dublin Fringe Festival.

This year sees the first year of a partnership between the festival and Macnas, allowing even younger emerging theatre-makers to participate. The Macnas

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Young Ensemble, who range in age from 15 to 21 years old, will premier an original, immersive show called Pick Your Poison in the Connacht Print Works. Audiences are invited to discover the story fragments hidden around this fascinating building, bringing a sense of spectacle and wonder to the festival.

Artists from outside of Galway will also be well represented at the festival. Dublinbased company Brokentalkers will bring their acclaimed show The Blue Boy to Galway for the first time, while Willfredd will bring their beautiful production CARE, which deals with the everyday experiences of Hospice workers, to the festival.

All ages are catered for at Galway Theatre Festival this year, making it a fun-filled destination for the whole family.

Daytime children’s show Dreams Under the Roof, by Magikloko Theatre Company and BLANCA by Kadira Theatre will keep the kids entertained, while the grown-ups can head out later and enjoy late night buzz of the Festival Club. The ‘Made in Galway’ strand of the Festival also offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at shows and new writing currently in development by Galway companies.

Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy a dance-theatre triple bill in the Taibhdhearc theatre, a walking tour around the Latin Quarter with a failed Rose of Tralee contestant, improvisation and storytelling in a medieval castle, a one-onone eight minute show in a cabinet, and much more. Guerilla Aerial, who were a sell-out at last year’s festival, will return this year with their show Alice M to close the festival. The show is loosely based on the life of Alice Milligan, a 19th century activist and playwright. It combines opera, aerial acrobatics, sensual scenography and experimental film, and promises to be an epic finale to a festival that offers visitors the chance to see the tremendous work being done by young up-and-coming Irish artists. www.connemaramusselfestival.com

15-year-old Charles Darcy was a shop assistant and a member of the Irish Citizen Army.

He was killed in action at City Hall on Easter Monday, 1916. His mother, Elizabeth, passed his medal and his Memoriam card over to the care of the National Museum of Ireland.

1916. This is as close as it gets.

Collins Barracks Benburb Street, Dublin 7.

Free Admission www.museum.ie

LUAS Red Line Museum Stop

Explore Connaught

Kylemore Abbey

Few places on earth have the tranquillity and beauty of Kylemore Abbey and its majestic walled garden. The castle was bought by the Benedictine nuns in 1920.

The Victorian walled garden was reopened in 1999 and won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 2002.The garden comprises of roughly 6 acres and is divided in two by a natural mountain stream. The eastern half comprises of the flower or pleasure garden, glass houses and gardeners’ houses. While the kitchen garden makes up the other half of the garden and is predominantly given over to the growing of food. This is a gem and should definitely be at the top of any visitors list.

Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall is situated near Glencar Lake, 11 kilometres west of Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. It is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. As you reach Glencar which straddles the border between counties Sligo and Leitrim with its dramatic steep cliffs, you will notice a series of waterfalls cascading from the heights.

Glencar waterfall is perhaps the most dramatic, descending from a 50ft rocky headland into a deep pool below in a haze of white spray. A paved path to the viewing area provides a wonderful vantage point from which to view the waterfall which is particularly spectacular during wet conditions.

Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin (island of the white cow) is situated seven miles off the Galway coastline and is an extremely popular tourist attraction.The island is 5.7km by 4km, and has three official looped walks of varying difficulties, each offering spectacular views of the island’s wild Atlantic scenery. The island also has several safe, award winning sandy beaches, and its clear waters make swimming, snorkelling and diving a joy. Two of the beaches on Inishbofin have been awarded the ‘Green Coast Award’, prized for their exceptional water quality and their natural, unspoilt environment.

Croagh Patrick

Connemara

Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is one of the surfing capitals of the Irish Atlantic coastline, and is recognised as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Indeed, on 8 March 2012, surfers and windsurfers from all over the world rode waves up to 15 metres (49 ft) high off Mullaghmore Head.

The area is also safe for bathing, and has all the modern facilities that you could wish for to make your stay enjoyable. And it is overlooked by the majestic Ben Bulbin mountain.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

Connemara is one of God’s gifts to this world with unspoilt natural beauty, rolling hills, leafy glens and crystal clear mountain streams all overlooked by towering majestic mountains. Travel from the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the North through lake-rich Roundstone Bog, to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean. This wondrous landscape is bounded on the West, South and North by the Atlantic Ocean. Connemara’s land boundary with the rest of County Galway is marked by the Invermore River which flows into the north of Kilkieran Bay.

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport, and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. You get spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding Mayo countryside from all stages as you climb.

Widely considered the holiest mountain in Ireland, pilgrimages date all the way back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. On the last day in July 25,000 pilgrims climb it, and over a million people visit Croagh Patrick every year.

Tel: 098 64114

Recommended Pubs in Connaught Tigh Neachtain (Naughtons)

Just across the road from Galway’s justly celebrated Druid Theatre, the Neachtain family have been running this pub here since 1894. And the artsy crowd that congregate here are as likely to be treated to a live jazz trio as they are to the best in Irish trad.

17 Cross st, Galway Tel: 091 568 820

Furey’s Pub

The Quays

Furey’s is located in the centre of Sligo, and is your no nonsense, strictly Irish trad music only, Irish pub. And they are as keen on real beer as they are on serious music, offering up an impressive choice craft beers.

Bridge St, Sligo Tel: 087 958 3080 Don’t be put off by the reams of tourists that flock here all year round, there’s a reason that this pub enjoys such a lofty reputation. It looks and feels exactly like an Irish pub should. And be sure to check out the back of the pub which has been decked out with stained glass and wooden pews borrowed from a Medieval French church!

Bosh Bar and Restaurant Whether you are looking for a bit of good quality food, hoping to catch some live music, or just want to watch the match, this is the place you’re looking for when you find yourself in Castlebar.

11 Quay St, Galway Tel: 091 568 347

Linenhall St., Castlebar, Co Mayo Tel: 094 925 0534

Roísín Dubh

Matt Malloy’s

It might have changed hands a few years ago, but the Roísín Dubh is still the premier music venue in the West. In the past they played host to Ray Davies, The New York Dolls and Townes Van Zandt and, more recently the XX, DJ Shadow and Dinosaur Jr. The only difference is, they’ve got a beer garden on the roof now!

This is exactly the kind of pub you’d expect the flute player with the Chieftains to have opened. And when he’s not on tour with them, you can expect to see Matt Malloy here in person, joining in on the sessions that take place within.

Lower Dominick St., Galway Tel: 091 586 540

Bridge St., Westport Tel: 098 26655 April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Restaurants in Connaught Kai Café

An Port Mór Restaurant

Roasted pig cheeks with black pudding, and apple and vanilla sauce is just one of this award winning restaurant’s specialities. One of the finest restaurants in the West.

1 Brewery Place, Bridge St, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: 098 26730

The Cottage Restaurant

Head chef Sham Hanifa’s sauces are so well regarded, you can buy jars of them to take away with you after your meal. Originally from Malaysia, he’s been here in Leitrim for over 14 years and applies his culinary skills to the local Irish produce that are native to the West.

Jamestown, Co. Leitrim Tel: 071 962 5933

Ashford Castle

Dating all the way back to 1228, this is one of the most imposing castles on the island. And where better to dine than in the George V dining room, built specially by the Guinness family when they hosted the Prince of Wales in 1906.

Cong, Co. Mayo Tel: 094 954 6003 David and Jessica Murphy’s restaurant in the heart of Galway has justly won a mountain of awards over the last couple of years, including Restaurant of the Year in 2012. Of the many, many who sing its praises, John McKenna wrote, “It’s vital food, packed with good energy, and it lifts you up to eat it because it’s so simple and elemental.”

Sea Road, Galway City.

Tel: 091 526 003

Eala Bhán

Upstairs @ West Restaurant

Situated in the luxury 4 star hotel The Twelve in Barna, minutes away from the city centre, this is one of Galway’s best kept secrets and is well worth a visit.

The Twelve, Barna, Galway City Tel: 091 597 000

Waterfront House Restaurant

Ireland’s largest stockist of Designer Sunglasses If it’s fresh seafood or a prime steak you’re looking for, this is the place for you. Situated in the heart of Sligo this restaurant is warmly recommended by one and all, including Lucinda O’Sullivan and Georgina Campbell.

Rockwood Parade, Sligo Town Tel: 071 914 5823

Half way between Athlone and Roscommon, and a quarter of an hour’s drive from either, Aidan Murray has been head chef here for over 20 years. Superior bistro food.

The Waterfront House Restaurant boasts one of the most outstanding sea views in Ireland. You can wine, dine and relax as you peer out over the 5km beach overlooking Killala Bay. Since it opened in 2011 the Seaview Restaurant and Wine Bar have become popular with locals and visitors alike. Fresh Seafood is a speciality.

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 666 1255

Enniscrone, County Sligo Tel: 096 37120

The Yew Tree Restaurant

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

Welcome to Ulster

The Giants Causway Photo: @storytravelers The Ancient Irish province of Ulster, made up of 9 counties, was partitioned in 1921 and six of the counties in it now make up Northern Ireland. These are Fermanagh, Antrim, Down, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh, and Tyrone.

The other three counties are Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland.

County Fermanagh has over 300 square miles of water, 365 islands, breathtaking scenery, the mystical Marble Arch Caves Geo Park, world class fishing and more historic monuments than you could shake a stick at. In short, Fermanagh is a Lakeland Paradise.

County Donegal is in the northwest of the

‘Hills of Donegal’ consist of two major ranges, the Derryveagh Mountains in the north and the Bluestack Mountains in the south, with Mount Errigal at 751 metres the highest peak.

The Slieve League cliffs are the second highest sea cliffs in Europe, while Donegal’s Malin Head is the most northerly point on the island of Ireland.

new Titanic Quarter and the Odyssey Arena to name but a few. This vibrant city has a culture all of its own and its restaurants, theatres and nightlife are amazingly good value.

Mount Errigal

Belfast Republic of Ireland. The name “Donegal” comes from the Irish, meaning “the fort of the foreigners”. The county consists chiefly of low mountains, with a deeply indented coastline forming natural loughs, of which Lough Swilly is the most notable. The famous mountains or

County Antrim with its beautiful coast road and famous glens is the most north easterly county on the island. On a worldwide scale Antrim’s most famous attraction is the Giants Causeway. However the renowned ‘Glens of Antrim’, the Bushmills Distillery and Carrickfergus Castle are well worth visiting as well.

Belfast City too has many things to see including the grandeur of the City Hall, the

Linsfort Church, Co. Donegal April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE FEBRUARY

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Explore Ulster

The Old Bushmills Distillery

Belleek Pottery

Titanic Belfast Since opening in March 2012 Titanic Belfast has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, with over a million visitors through its doors in its first year. Housed in an iconic, six storey building, it’s located in the heart of Belfast, right next to the site where the famous ship was built.

Once you enter the building proper, you’re introduced to the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four “ships”, which act as the beginning of the Titanic experience.

Your journey will then take you through the building’s nine galleries, telling the story of the Titanic from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end.

Tel: 028 9076 6386

In 1608, King James I granted Sir Thomas Phillipps a license to distil whiskey, and Bushmills became the first distillery in the world to begin officially producing it.

Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey. This is at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys, whether Bushmills or Black Bush, and it is this that gives them their unique combination of smoothness and richness.

Today, over 120,00 visitors come to the Old Distillery every year to discover more about how it is all done, and to see for themselves where the magic happens.

Tel: 028 2073 3218

Ulster American Folk Park

The Giant’s Causeway The Giant’s Causeway stretches for around five kilometres along the Antrim coast.

Legend has it that it was built by Finn MacCool so that he could get across to Scotland to take on a giant who lived there.

Visitors flock here from all over the world to marvel at one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines and its unique rock formations.

In 1986 the Giant’s Causeway Visitors centre opened, after the World Heritage Conventions added it to its list of sites which are of exceptional interest and universal value. The National Trust oversees the Causeway and provides the half million tourists who go there every year with all the information that they need.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

Situated 5 miles outside of Omagh on the road to Strabane, the museum is your chance to mix family fun with a fascinating exploration of our shared histories.

Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share. You can also avail of the facilities at the residential centre and museum restaurant.

Museum: +44 (0) 28 8224 3292 Residential centre: +44 (0)28 8224 0918

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions.

Visitors can take a personally guided tour of the factory and see how the techniques developed by the very first Belleek craftsmen 158 years ago are still followed today. An audio visual presentation informs visitors of the rich history of the pottery from its beginnings right the way through to present day, while the Belleek Museum offers a display of pottery through the ages.

Visitors can enjoy a little retail therapy in the Belleek Pottery showroom and no visit is complete without taking a little time out at the Belleek Pottery restaurant to enjoy some well deserved refreshments from the savoury and sweet menu served.

Tel: +44(0) 28 6865 9300 Email: visitorcentre@belleek.ie Facebook.com/belleekpottery

Florence Court

Florence Court is the former home of the Cole family, Earls of Enniskillen. The three storey Georgian mansion contains fine plasterwork and 18th century Irish furniture and also offers extensive gardens, outdoor trails and a woodland children’s play area. Every aspect of life in this classical Irish House, with its fine interiors and exquisite decoration, is brought to life on guided tours. Outside, visitors can discover the working estate including a sawmill, forge and carpenters shop, ice house, the historic rose garden and the mother of all Irish Yews. The Stables tearoom and Coach House gift shop are also onsite. The forest park has 10 miles of trails to enjoy on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Tel: 028 6634 9001

Recommended Pubs in Ulster The Crown Liquor Saloon

Located in Belfast’s Cathedral district, very unusually this pub is owned by the Belfast Unemployment Resource Centre, which was opened by local poet, socialist and Freeman of the City, John Hewitt. Hence the name. They’ve an extensive range of craft beers, both on tap and in bottles. And if that’s not enough, they even have a genuine gin palace!

Which includes locally made Shortcross Gin. 51 Donegall St., Belfast Tel: 028 9023 3768

White’s Tavern

Dating all the way back to 1630, this is the oldest tavern in Belfast, and one of the oldest anywhere on these islands. You can warm yourself by the fire downstairs where you’ll find the original pub, whilst upstairs they’ve opened a second bar where more livelier fare goes down.

2-4 Winecellar Entry, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 3080

Kelly’s Cellars Now owned by the National trust, this is one of the most justly famous pubs to be found anywhere in Britain or Ireland, with its mixture of oak panelling, leather chairs and its exquisite, ornate Victorian tiling. And, just as you’d expect, they’ve a wonderful selection of real ales and home made food.

46 Great Victoria St, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 3187

This is the oldest pub proper in Belfast, dating back to 1720. Stone floors, white washed walls, and traditional Irish music rings through its low ceilinged rooms. It’s like finding a country pub in the middle of the city.

30-32 Bank St, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 6058

The Duke Of York

The John Hewitt

One of the liveliest pubs in town, its walls are busy with paraphernalia and whatnots, and the place is hopping with (mostly) young people who fill the place up all weekend and most of the week. And if you are looking to treat yourself to a sneaky, antique whiskey, look no further.

7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 1062

Peadar O’Donnell’s

There are three bars to choose from here at this famous Derry pub, and music to suit any and all tastes. You can move from an impromptu session that might have materialised magically in the corner of the traditional bar downstairs, to a gig proper upstairs in the Gweedore.

Before coming back downstairs to what they swear is the best pint in Derry.

59-63 Waterloo St., Derry Tel: 028 7126 7295 April 2016 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Restaurants in Ulster Ox

Having won the Best Newcomer Award in 2013, Ox took Best Restaurant, Best Chef and Best Wine Experience in Antrim for 2014.

Chic, smart and very good.

The Ginger Bistro

Coco

1 Oxford St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 4121

55 Degrees North Located in Belfast’s historic Linenhall Street just behind City Hall, this is one of the best dining experiences you will find here in the city centre in Belfast. Its chic boutique surroundings make it very much the place to see and be seen.

This family run business has been open since 2005. And this stylish restaurant has been receiving plaudits ever since, both for the quality of its food, and the spectacular views of the Atlantic that it offers.

1 Causeway St, Portrush, Co Antrim Tel: 0044 28 7082 2811

The ginger in question is owner chef Simon McCance, and since relocating here closer to the centre his reputation for producing quality food at surprisingly reasonable prices has got even stronger.

7-8 Hope St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9024 4421

Deane’s Restaurant

7-11 Linenhall St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 1150

Shu

They serve deliberately simple, Frenchinfluenced food here using only the best seasonal ingredients, and all served at a reasonable price in an elegant location. And you can have a drink in the cocktail bar in the basement while you are waiting for your table.

253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9038 1655

Vanilla Restaurant

Local man Darren Ireland opened this smart new establishment here in 2009, and it’s one of the best quality bistros on the East coast.

Telfords Restaurant

Overlooking the river Lagan and situated in a maritime building that dates back to 1843, Telfords operates on three levels and is in walking distance from the Waterfront Hall, the Odyssey complex and the Ulster Hall.

67 Main St, Newcastle Tel: 0044 28 4372 2268

Lough Erne Resort

5 Donegall Quay, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 4000

Sun Kee Restaurant

One of the best Chinese restaurants in Belfast, the Lo family have been producing impressively adventurous and authentic Chinese cuisine here for years.

42-7 Donegall Pass, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 2016 Michael Deane trained at London’s prestigious Claridges and since returning to Belfast he has opened up a number of top quality restaurants across the city. And losing the Michelin star he had in 2011 has he says liberated him, allowing him to concentrate on the food without having to worry about critics.

36-40 Howard St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9033 1134

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Sakura

In the city’s busy Botanic Avenue, this is one of the city’s few authentic sushi bars, but they also serve a variety of fusion dishes if sushi is not your thing. A superior Japanese restaurant.

82 Botanic Av, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 9590

Speranza Restaurant

This 5 star hotel just outside the town of Enniskillen is quite simply one of the most spectacularly situated hotel resorts you will find anywhere in Europe.

Lusty Beg

This island spa is set on 75 acres in the heart of the lakes of Fermanagh, and where better to unwind than in its award winning restaurant.

Hand made oven baked pizzas are one of the specialities here, but there is a wide choice of all types of Italian food on offer here in one of Belfast’s finest Italian restaurants.

Belleek Rd, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh Tel: 0044 28 6632 3230

Boa Island, Kesh, Co Fermanagh Tel: 0044 28 6863 3300

16-9 Shaftesbury Av, Belfast Tel: 044 28 9023 0213

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - April 2016

BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS Renowned for bestowing the gift of eloquence Take the time to enjoy our magical CASTLE GARDENS

Opening time for April 9am – 6pm (last admission 5.30pm) www.blarneycastle.ie

5 miles from Cork

info@blarneycastle.ie