Travel Ireland Volume 4 Issue 36 by Travel Ireland Magazine

Travelireland magazine

Volume Volume 44 Issue Issue 36 36 April April 2017 2017

Its Open!

Pat Liddy Takes a look at

Handels Messiah

Ireland Remembered at the Green Gallery

Fidelma Massey

at Gallery Zozimus

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

at The Gaiety Theatre

Galway Food Festival

One City One Book

Golfing at Waterford Castle Hotel

HHHHH ‘spellbinding, terrifying’ The Observer

‘powerful’ Sunday Times

‘a must-see’ The New York Times

‘exquisite’ LA Weekly

‘outstanding’ Hollywood Reporter

‘wickedly funny and deadly serious’ The Mail on Sunday

RETURNS DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

28th March – 15th April 2017 CAST:

Aaron Monaghan, Marie Mullen, Aisling O’Sullivan & Marty Rea Tickets from €21 | www.druid.ie www.ticketmaster.ie | 0818 719 388

CONTENTS

4 Welcome To Leinster 6 The Beauty Queen of Leenane 8 Theatre 10 Jameson Distillery Bow Street 12 Handel’s Messiah 14 Ireland Remembered at The Green Gallery 16 One City One Book 18 Shopping 20 Explore Leinster 21 Leinster Bars 22 Leinster Restaurants 24 West Waterford Festival of Food 26 Welcome to Munster 28 Discover all that Cobh has to Offer in 2017 30 Munster Bars 31 Munster Restaurants 32 Explore Munster 34 Mermaid Arts Centre 36 Waterford Castle Golf Club 38 Welcome to Connaught 40 Connaught Bars 41 Connaught Restaurants 42 Explore Connaught 43 Galway Food Festival 44 Welcome To Ulster 45 Fidelma Massey at Gallery Zozimus 46 Explore Ulster 47 Ulster Bars 48 Ulster Restaurants 50 Great Irish Writers

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 look forward to this month as the clocks go forward and the days get a little brighter, giving you even more time to explore our magnificent island. The brand new Jameson Distillery Bow Street has opened its doors and we take a look at what visitors can expect from the new tours. Fidelma Massey will exhibit her works in Gallery Zozimus while Pat Liddy marks the anniversary of the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin. Golf lovers can take a trip to the fantastic course at the Waterford Castle Hotel while foodies will love the Galway Food Festival and the West Waterford Festival of Food. Whatever you end up doing, we at Travel Ireland wish you a hefty and heartfelt Céad míle fáilte and hope you enjoy your stay. Enjoy your stay.

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); Michael Bates (michael@travelirelandmagazine.ie, 0876124477) Contributors: Pat Liddy, Angeline Le Mercier, Adam Patterson Photography, John McCurdy, Paula Moore, Patrick O’ , Stephen Walker, Ivan Donoghue, Joleen Cronin, Richard Eibrand, Padraig O’Donnell, Michael McLaughlin, Carl Mark O’Neill. We wish to record our thanks to Michael Bates, Failte Ireland, The Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service, Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the National Trust-Giants Causeway (NI) for their help and guidance in the production of this edition. We would also like to thank Paddy Donovan, Ed Reeve, Carr Cotter and Naessens, jonandlauren.wordpress.com and 10bestpubsingalway.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.

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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 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

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

Stephen’s Green Park 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

St Kevin’s Church, Glendalough 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 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. Laois is where you can try your hand at a

Round Tower, Glendalough 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 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 newly refurbished Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links is Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only coastal Hotel situated 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Dublin city. As the original summer home of the Jameson Whiskey Family the resort boasts 134 bedrooms, conference centre, an 18 hole Bernhard Langer designed Links course, destination Spa and three separate dining outlets.

Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin | 01 8460611 | www.portmarnock.com

The

Beauty Queen of Leenane

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Druid returns from a sell-out international tour for an extended three-week run at The Gaiety Theatre from 28 March to 15 April. The performances will be the last in the company's seven-month national and international run, which played to audiences in LA, New York, Boston and Hong Kong among others. Multi-award winning Garry Hynes will direct. Garry was recently awarded Best Director in the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards for this production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane, by Martin McDonagh and for Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett. The production has a stellar cast of Marie Mullen, Aisling O'Sullivan, Marty Rea and Aaron Monaghan – all members of the Druid Ensemble. Critics across the Atlantic have praised the performances and Mullen and O'Sullivan have both been nominated for an Irish Times Irish Theatre Award 2017. “We're delighted to finish this extensive tour with three weeks at home,” says Artistic Director Garry Hynes. “We started the production in Ireland and it's always

interesting for our audiences to see what little things have changed since and how they will respond to those changes. We're enjoying an incredible run, in the middle of a coast-to-coast tour of the US with Hong Kong still to come, but finishing the tour at home feels only right.” The Beauty Queen of Leenane is set in the mountains of Connemara and tells the story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother. Mag's interference in Maureen's first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific. Druid's production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane debuted in Galway in 1996 in a coproduction with the Royal Court Theatre. It then went on to play in London and transferred to the West End and Broadway to critical acclaim. The production won four Tony Awards in 1998 including Best Direction for Garry Hynes, the first woman to ever win a Tony Award for Direction. In this special 20th anniversary production, Marie Mullen plays the role of Mag, having won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Maureen in the original production. Acclaimed actress Aisling O'Sullivan will play the role of Maureen. This special anniversary production is testament to Druid's long-standing relationship with playwright Martin McDonagh, whose name became synonymous with the company following the success of Beauty Queen and the subsequent Leenane Trilogy. So make sure you don’t miss the last chance to see Druid’s amazing production of this award-winning play as it finishes its hugely successful run back home at the Gaiety Theatre. www.gaietytheatre.ie

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Theatre Mermaid Arts Centre

The Abbey Theatre Waiting for Godot

Druid Theatre Company return to the Abbey with Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece, Waiting for Godot, starring Garrett Lombard, Aaron Monaghan, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea. On a bare road in the middle of nowhere, two world-weary friends await the arrival of the mysterious Godot. While waiting, they speculate, bicker, joke and ponder life’s greater questions. As dusk begins to fall, two figures appear on the horizon. 22 April - 20 May Tel: 01 8872200 or visit www.abbeytheatre.ie Every month, Mermaid’s programme is packed full of exciting theatre, cinema, music and comedy from a diverse range of performers - from local groups to big name, established acts. This month sees an exciting and diverse range of cinema come to Mermaid, including Valley of Love, The Olive Tree, Queen of Katwe and The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki.

Also at the Abbey Theatre this month; Silent (30 March - 15 April), Underneath (31 March - 13 April), Forgotten (1 - 14 April) and The Train (7 - 15 April)

The Gate Theatre Private Lives

Tel: 01 2724043 or visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie Also in the Mermaid Arts Centre this month; Eleanor McEvoy (1 April), Valley of Love (3 April), The Constant Wife (4 - 8 April), The Olive Tree (10 April), Queen of Katwe (11 April), Brickflicks (12 - 13 April), Wicklow Screendance Laboratory (12 April), Grease (13 April), Pat Shortt - How’s Tings (15 April), American Honey (17 April), Godspell (19 - 22 April), Ma révolution (24 - 25 April), The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (24 - 25 April) and Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer (27 April).

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Blood Brothers

Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers has won multiple awards and surpassed 10,000 performances on the West End - making it only one of three musicals to achieve that feat. Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers tells the story of two twins who were separated at birth and grew up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again years later with fateful consequences.

Noël Coward’s classic tale of bitter sweet love is one of the true delights of theatre. Elyot and Amanda, who marry not wisely but too often, find themselves thrown back together again on their respective honeymoons still hopelessly and passionately in love. Their brief sojourn in her Paris apartment proves to them yet again, that in their case, though one should make love not war – it’s more fun to do both. 31 March - 24 June Tel: 01 8744045 / 01 8746042 or visit www.gatetheatre.ie

The Gaiety Theatre

Tel: 01 6777999 or visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

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28 March-15 April Tel: 0818 719 388 or visi www.gaietytheatre.ie Also at the Gaiety this month; The Chastitute (25 April - 20 May)

The Olympia Theatre Rock Against Homelessness

This charity concert brings together some of Ireland’s finest acts for a night that will raise money to aid the fight against homelessness. HamsandwicH, Finbar Furey, The Blizzards, Delorentos, Paul Cleary, Ivy Nations, August Wells – plus special guests — will play an incredible concert in aid of Ireland’s most in need: the homeless. Homeless musician Danny Bracken, accompanied by Paul Brady and Dave Fleming, will also perform on the night, while a very special band are set to make a guest appearance. 7 April

28 March - 8 April

Also at Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month; Pink Martini (11 April), John Prine (13 April), Chris de Burgh (16 April), Not Dead Enough (18 - 22 April), An Audience with Alexandra Cousteau (23 April) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime (25 - 29 April)

mountains of Connemara and tells the story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother. Mag's interference in Maureen's first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific.

Also in the Olympia this month; Blackberry Smoke (1 April), A Night for Pieta House (2 April), David McSavage (8 April), Amy McDonald (9 April), Jon Bellion (12 April), The Last Waltz Live (21 April), Repeal - A Night in the Key of 8 (23 April) and Ben Portsmouth - Taking Care of Elvis (28 - 29 April). Tel: 01 679 3323 or visit www.olympia.ie

Smock Alley Theatre A Life in the Theatre

David Mamet’s hilarious two-hander charts the relationship between an older actor reaching the twilight of his career, and that of his rising young counterpart. Mamet’s love/ hate letter to the theatre is also filled with biting satire as the audience are “treated” to scenes from plays the two characters perform within the play. Not content with this level of complexity, this production will have its two actors (Sean Doyle and Ben Waddell) switch roles each night, creating two unique performances of the same production. 3 - 15 April Also at Smock Alley this month; Little Hours (2 April) and Collected Stories (4 - 5 April)

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

The Beauty Queen of Leenane is set in the

Tel: 01 6770014 or visit www.smockalley.com

Visit the re-opened

Jameson Distillery Bow Street

ollowing an €11 million makeover, the revamped Jameson Distillery has opened its doors with three new fantastic tours for visitors to enjoy. The new look Jameson Distillery Bow St. brand home was officially opened by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe last month and will support the Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy target of trebling the number of Irish whiskey tourists visiting Ireland annually, to 1.9 million by 2025. Speaking at the official opening, he said: “Each year, over 600,000 tourists pass through Irish whiskey visitor centres to experience first-hand the heritage behind this time-honoured spirit and hear the stories of established and emerging distilleries. The Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy aims to treble this figure to 1.9 million visitors by 2025 and Jameson Distillery Bow St will undoubtedly play a central role in delivering on this vision. Smithfield and its wider Dublin environs have a rich history and vibrant cultural scene which will also continue to attract and enthrall visitors from near and far.” The Jameson brand is a remarkable Irish success story, experiencing 27 consecutive years of growth and this fantastic new

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

experience is sure to help spread the Jameson story even further. Construction work on the new brand home began last September and was led by BRC Imagination Arts, who specialise in the creation of next generation brand experiences. Their past clients include the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta; the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and visitors are in for a treat as they have come up with some amazing new tours. There are three fantastic new options to avail of, meaning that you will surely be making repeat visits to this amazing place. The three fully-guided tours on offer are: ‘The Bow St. Experience’ tasting tour focuses on the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage and on-going innovations and ‘The Whiskey Makers’ and ‘The Whiskey Shakers’ experiences which provide more in-depth whiskey and cocktail masterclasses, both including the opportunity to sample whiskey straight from a cask in the distillery’s new live maturation house. Cutting-edge technology has been implemented to complement the iconic surroundings of the iconic building and deliver an unforgettable storytelling experience.

“We have had the privilege of calling Bow Street home since 1780 and we’re delighted with our new makeover,” said Ray Dempsey, General Manager of the Jameson Distillery Bow Street. Dempsey has been the general manager of the Jameson brand home since it first opened in 1997 and he is looking forward to what the future holds as Jameson enter this exciting new chapter. He said: “Visitors can look forward to immersive storytelling where they will be invited to touch,smell and most importantly, taste Jameson in the original Bow St. Distillery building. As Smithfield continues to experience a cultural resurgence, we’re incredibly excited to be part of this thriving community and look forward to being here long into the future.” A new chapter is dawning for Jameson and for Irish whiskey tourism and the Jameson Distillery Bow Street is at the forefront of this new chapter. With three incredibly interesting tours to enjoy, repeat visits are a must to this amazing new venue, so that you can fully immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic Irish brand. To book your tickets for any of the three brand new tours, visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

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Visitors can look forward to immersive storytelling where they will be invited to touch,smell and most importantly, taste Jameson in the original Bow St. Distillery building

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

HandelMessiah s’ by Pat Liddy

After a sea-sickening voyage, George Frederic Handel arrived into the harbour of Dublin on 18 November 1741, possibly landing on the pier where the Clarence Hotel is today (Wellington Quay). He quickly sorted himself into his lodgings on Abbey Street (today’s Upper Abbey Street near Liffey Street – alas his house has since been demolished). 12

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lmost immediately a busy round of engagements started for the famed composer and he was feted by the great and noble, by charitable institutions, music impresarios and the churches who regularly performed his music. The court of Dublin Castle, led by the Viceroy himself and attended by the aristocracy of the land, indulged his every wish. Competition was keen to invite the presence of the man who many thought of at the time to be the world’s greatest living composer. So why did such an eminent personage come to a city which you might have thought was a bit of a European backwater. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong to have thought of Dublin then as a non-consequential place. In fact, it was considered to be the second city of the British Empire at the time and several internationally famous musicians, composers, actors and performers in the arts were frequent visitors. What inspired Handel, German-born but now a naturalised British citizen, to come to Ireland was primarily an invitation he received from the Viceroy in Ireland, William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire. It came at a very appropriate time for Handel as his career in England was

faltering due to Italian opera, previously his main output, beginning to go out of fashion. He also had incurred serious debts arising from some failed business enterprises. Once settled in Dublin, Handel was not one to hang about. He correctly sensed an insatiable appetite in Dublin for his music and he organised a busy programme of public concerts of his work. The first six concerts were quickly sold out and, ever-conscious of solving his financial predicaments, he promoted a further six. Cutting out the middleman the canny Handel sold all the tickets himself from his own house. Also, knowing the lesser value of the Irish currency, he calculated his sales in English guineas and shillings. All this time, in the midst of a whirlwind of concerts and social engagements, Handel was planning to launch on an unsuspecting world his latest creation, Messiah. The oratorio (an oratorio being essentially an opera without costume or acting) was written in an incredible short time of around 3 weeks in London, before he left for Dublin. He fixed 13 April for his premiere and being a man of generous spirit (which he could now literally afford to be) he decided to offer

all the proceeds from the first performance to three charities. Dublin may have been a rich, progressive city but the rising tide didn’t lift all boats. Most of the population, mainly oppressed Roman Catholics, was grindingly poor in a city governed by a privileged Protestant elite. The three fortunate charities were Mercer’s Hospital, the Charitable Infirmary and the Society for the Relief of Imprisoned Debtors. His venue for the historic occasion would be the recently opened Neal’s New Musick Hall on Fishamble Street. Handel assembled singers and musicians of the highest quality available. His orchestral leader was Dubliner and personal friend, violinist Matthew Douberg. One of his singers was actor and contralto Susannah Cibber, sister of Thomas Arne, the composer of Rule Britannia, also in Dublin at the same time promoting programmes of his own music. The choir was drawn from the cathedrals of Christ Church and St Patrick’s. Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick’s and author of Gulliver’s Travels, was initially vehemently opposed to the use of his singers until it was explained to him that the performance was for charitable purposes. The music hall could accommodate 600 patrons but Handel was anxious to earn as much as possible for the charities so to squeeze in even more he

The oratorio, with Handel himself leading from the organ, was an outstanding success and completely reaffirmed his reputation as the foremost composer of his time (J. S. Bach was active at the same time but his work was less wellknown in his lifetime).

ordered the men not to wear their swords nor the women to don their wide skirt hoops. The oratorio, with Handel himself leading from the organ, was an outstanding success and completely reaffirmed his reputation as the foremost composer of his time (J. S. Bach was active at the same time but his work was less well-known in his lifetime). Handel, now completely re-invigorated, returned to London in August of that year

and over the remaining 17 years of his life produced some of his greatest oratorios. He always felt that he owed Dublin the credit for his ‘restoration’. However, Handel’s health slowly deteriorated including going totally blind from an unsuccessful cataract operation and he died in London on April 14, 1759. The last musical performance he heard, on April 6, was of his own Messiah. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, recognized in England as the greatest composer of his day. Messiah itself has become, perhaps, the most enduring of all choral works ever written In recognition of his memorable visit to Dublin there is a free public performance of Messiah extracts held on the street outside the site of the former Neal’s Music hall on Fishamble Street on 13 April every year at 1.00pm. Finishing in time for the concert this author will lead a tour on that day celebrating Handel’s visit to Dublin and his enrichment of the life of this city. The tour will start from outside the church on St Andrew’s Street (beside the Molly Malone statue) at 10.30 am and is free of charge. See http://www.dublincity.ie/mainmenu-services-community-community-andsocial-development-service/lets-walk-andtalk for more details.

dodublintours

TED VO

Whether you want to sit back and soak up the culture at Dublin’s historic sites or get out there and explore the streets, meet the people and sample the Guinness, our guides can help you make the most of your holiday and see the city like a local.

Dublin’s No.1 Bus Tour A D VIS

FREE Kids FREE Hotel Shuttle FREE Walking Tour FREE Little Museum of Dublin

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The Dubliner’s Guide to Dublin

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Buy in person at Dublin Bus Head Office 59 Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1 Hop on and pay driver

dodublin.ie APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Ireland Remembered at

THE Green Gallery An exciting and memorable exhibition has just opened in The Green Gallery on the top floor of the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin 02.This famous Shopping Centre is the great big glass domed building opposite the entrance to the picturesque St. Stephen’s Green Park.Take the escalator or elevator to the top floor for an amazing view of this beautiful mall and stroll the marble and glass corridor to The Green Gallery at the rear.You will be welcomed by Dermot O’Grady and his staff as you treat yourself to their absorbing and delightful selection of oil and watercolour paintings of the beautiful emerald isle of Ireland.

reland Remembered is a collection of over 200 paintings and prints by well-known Irish and international artists who are living and working in Ireland. All of the works are extremely collectable and for sale. Dermot ships worldwide and for purchases of 2,000 euro or over, the shipping is free. Now 25 years in the art business Dermot is highly respected in the trade and you can rely on him for advice and pointers. O’Grady says “The Green Gallery is an Aladdin’s Cave and our customers keep coming back for more. Most of the galleries artists have gained international acclaim through the years. Unfortunately some are no longer with us. We have very rare paintings by John Skelton (1925 Co. Armagh – 2009 Dublin). Skelton is particularly well known for his atmospheric studies of west of Ireland fishermen and wonderful seascapes and landscapes. Tom Cullen (1934 Dublin – 2009 Co.Dublin) was brought up in Dublin and had always been fascinated by it’s inner city streets and characters. Working with a knife and limited palette his paintings caught the atmosphere of innocent bygone days long passed. A very celebrated artist is Jim FitzPatrick who is renowned throughout the World for his Celtic Mythological battle scenes and Kings and Queens of an ancient land long ago. You can buy Jim’s prints of 1916’s Rebel Heroes here too. Jim Fitzpatrick’s stained glass window of Cruithne Goddess of the Aitchen Tuatha (The Ancient Kindred) can be seen in the newly refurbished Bewley's of Grafton Street a mere stone’s throw from the shopping centre when this world renowned Café reopens its doors this spring ”. Treat yourself to a fond memory of this wonderful old mystical and magical country out on the edge of Europe. Whether it’s a wee print for €16.95 or a majestic oil painting for €2,000 plus, you will not find a better way to enjoy Ireland Remembered. The Green Gallery is open 7 days. For further information visit www.greengallery.ie

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

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

One City One Book Dublin: One City One Book is a brilliant initiative, started 11 years ago by Dublin City Libraries. The idea is to unite people every April to read one book associated with the city of Dublin. Previous books that book clubs have joined together to read include novels by Dublin authors including Lia Mills, Roddy Doyle, James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Flann O’Brien. This year’s book is Echoland by Joe Joyce – a gripping thriller set in Dublin during World War Two.

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

Joe Joyce is the author of five thrillers: Echoland, Echobeat and Echowave (all set during the Second World War in Dublin); The Trigger Man and Off The Record; a history/biography of The Guinnesses and a critically acclaimed play, The Tower, about James Joyce and Oliver St John Gogarty. He also has worked as a journalist for The Irish Times, The Guardian, and Reuters news agency. He is delighted that his novel has been chosen as this year’s book. He said: "I'm delighted and honoured that Echoland will be Dublin's One City One Book for 2017. The city is an integral part of the book, not just the backdrop to a spy story. As I was writing it, I was very conscious of the hardships and great dangers of the Emergency period, faced -- as always by Dubliners -- with resilience and wit." Echoland is set in June 1940. With France teetering on the brink of collapse, British troops are desperately fleeing Dunkirk and Germany is winning the war. Its next target is Britain and Ireland. In neutral Dublin, opinions are divided. Some want Germany to win, others favour Britain, while most want to stay out of the war altogether. In this atmosphere of edgy uncertainty, young lieutenant Paul Duggan is drafted into G2, the army’s intelligence division and is given a suspected German spy to investigate. Before he can probe further, he is diverted by a request from his politician uncle to try and find his daughter, who’s gone missing, possibly kidnapped. Enlisting the help of witty Special Branch detective Peter Gifford, the two lines of inquiry take Duggan into the double-dealing worlds of spies and politics. There will be a range of interesting events taking place over the course of the festival that tie in with the book. Every Thursday this month, festival goers can enjoy a two hour walkabout of the Air Corps Museum in Baldonnel with Airman Michael J. Whelan as he introduces the dawning and evolution of Irish and world military and civilian aviation. Well-known historian and guide (and Travel Ireland columnist) Pat Liddy will lead a walk around the significant Dublin landmarks in Echoland, with a focus on the Emergency period, while on Tuesday 25 April in the Dublin City Library, authors

Echoland is set in June 1940. With France teetering on the brink of collapse, British troops Dunkirk and Germany is winning the war.

Sinead Crowley and Joe Joyce talk about the challenges of writing fiction set in different time periods. There will be a fascinating talk about spies in 1940s Ireland in Dublin Castle on Monday, 10 April. Eunan O’Halpin, Professor of Contemporary Irish History, TCD, will discuss the theme of neutrality in wartime. German and British covert activities and IRA efforts to help Hitler by passing war information will be discussed, as will the work of Irish security in thwarting such activities. All of these events are free of charge but booking is essential as demand is sure to be high. Booking can be made at www.dublinonecityonebook.ie/programme where you can also find details of all of the other wonderful events happening this month. So grab your copy of Echoland and get involved as Dublin once again celebrates One City One Book.

Visit the Book Of Kells in Trinity College and then take the two minute walk to visit us on Dawson Street. Designer Exchange Ltd, 53 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Winner of 98FMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be st shop in Du blin for 2016

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Dedicated Pre Loved & Authentic Designer Handbag & Accessory Store!

Need Directions? Call us on 01 6128080 e: info@designerexchange.ie www.designerexchange.ie

Come in and browse our huge selection of designer brands and incredible savings! We stock all designer brands from DKNY to Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes! All items are authentic and certified by our in house professionals.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Recommended Shopping Irish Linen House

The Sweater Shop

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. Just up the road from the Jameson Distillery, their Smithfield store is the perfect place to pick up a unique piece of Ireland. Nr. Jameson Distillery, Bow Street Smithfield Village, Dublin 7 www.irishlinenhouse.com 01-5329572 / 083-3010502 01 820 8774

Best prices on Irish Aran Sweaters Since 1986 The Sweater Shop is a family run business offering a large selection of quality Irish Aran sweaters at reasonable prices, as well as fine merino and cashmere for men, women and children. They also stock a range of caps, scarves and accessories to suit all budgets, making any of their Dublin, Kilkenny, or Galway shops the perfect place to shop for truly authentic Irish gifts.

Cows Lane Designer Studio

30 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 Abbeygate Street, Galway High Street, Kilkenny Tel: 01 6712292 www.sweatershop.com

Tights Department

Celtic Whiskey Shop

Ireland’s premier Irish whiskey specialists with a remarkable selection of beloved, rare and hard to find bottlings and shop exclusives. It boasts a knowledgeable and friendly staff who are proud and passionate about products, and are always on hand to offer advice. Feel free to pop in where we serve up in-store whiskey tastings all day everyday! If you're travelling, our staff can either wrap your purchases in protective wrapping or arrange shipping to national and international destinations. 27 – 28 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6759744 www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

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

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. 64 Patrick Street, Dublin 8 14 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 616 5671 www.JamArtFactory.com and www.JamArtPrints.com 18

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

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

Designer Exchange

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.

Since 1805, family-owned Mitchell & Son have been providing Fine Wines & Spirits to the people of Ireland. Now in the hands of the 7th generation, they offer a high quality selection of New & Old World Wines, Champagne, & fortified wines. Home to the Green and Yellow Spot Irish Whiskeys, they also have a wide selection of Irish, Scotch, & Japanese whiskies, and other fine spirits. With a superb selection of Riedel Glassware and decanters, Coravin Wine System, and Le Creuset wine accessories, they are one of the most diverse independent wine merchants in Ireland. Mitchell & Son also offer Wine and Whiskey Appreciation courses that provide an understanding of the Irish market and a chance to explore your tastes.

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

CHQ Building, IFSC, Dublin, D01 FC89 Tel: 01 612 5540 www.mitchellandson.com

Recommended Shopping The Donegal Shop

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. Mention Travel Ireland to get a 10% discount 2nd Floor, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2 01 475 4621 www.thedonegalshop.com

The Design House

Brown Thomas

If it’s a high end shopping experience that you’re after, then Brown Thomas is the place to go. In this store you can find some of the world’s finest brands, including Armani, Baker, Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. The store offers personal shopping services and an unrivalled range of corporate gifts and there is tax free shopping available for non-EU residents. 88 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 01 6056666 www.brownthomas.com

The Kilkenny Shop

43 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6799283 www.thedesignhouse.ie

Celebrating the long and fascinating history of Aran Knitwear, the Aran Sweater Market offers the perfect souvenir of your Irish Journey. With roots in Inis Mor, the very centre of where Aran craft first began, you can also find the brand in Dublin’s Grafton Street and Killarney, Co. Kerry, as well as its home on the Aran Islands. Shoppers can look forward to a unique shopping experience with a large range of Aran and Celtic inspired knitwear and gifts available. The Aran Sweater Market brand offers a large range of Aran and Celtic inspired knitwear for all the family. www.AranSweaterMarket.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 The Kilkenny Shop is Ireland’s largest emporium for when you visit this store. Irish designed products; from fashion and jewellery They offer the finest to homeware, handmade crafts and crystal. For over quality, waterproof five decades, the Kilkenny Shop has been supporting Mackintoshes for men and women from stock or made to measure Irish design talent, stocking top designers like from €425 as well as a range of leather bags, Waterford Crystal, Orla Kiely, Aideen Bodkin, satchels and accessories. Nicholas Mosse and Stephen Pearce. 46 South William Street, Dublin 2 6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 608 8608 01 6777066 www.kilkennyshop.com www.franciscampelli.com

Green Gallery “The Design House” is a boutique & design Hub, in the city centre. It is based in a fabulous Georgian building; they offer cutting edge fashion, jewellery, bridal and a variety of crafts all in the one building. The hallways of their building also host an artist’s gallery. The list of designers who call “The Design house” home has grown steadily since they opened. They are also the creative home to several in-house designers, that work from 2 floors of shared studio space and professional fashion workrooms . The concept behind their enterprise is to bring designers, craftspeople and artists together under one roof and to offer the customer a wide array of high quality products, all at varied price points and services such as their bespoke service and café.

Aran Sweater Market

For over 20 years The Green Gallery, on the top floor of St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, has led the way in Dublin’s contemporary art market. Here you will find original, quality works of art from emerging, established and international artists. No trip to Stephen’s Green is complete without visiting this unique gallery. Open 7 days. Mention Travel Ireland Magazine to avail of a 10% discount. Top Floor, St Stephen’s Green Centre Dublin 2 Tel: 0851988441 www.greengallery.ie

Article

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 stationery 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 APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Explore Leinster Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin Jameson Distillery Bow Street Following an €11 million makeover, the revamped Jameson Distillery has opened its doors with three new fantastic tours for visitors to enjoy. ‘The Bow St. Experience’ tasting tour focuses on the stories of Jameson’s rich heritage and on-going innovations and ‘The Whiskey Makers’ and ‘The Whiskey Shakers’ experiences which provide more in-depth whiskey and cocktail masterclasses, both including the opportunity to sample whiskey straight from a cask in the distillery’s new live maturation house. All tours are delivered with the assistance of cutting-edge technology making this an experience that demands repeated visits. www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Guided Tours Glasnevin is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Located 2.5km from Dublin centre, this is a hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery where over 1.5 million are buried. Guides are passionate about sharing their love of history and recount the stories of Ireland’s fascinating past through daily walking tours. A history lesson made fun and memorable by guides who know their stuff, be prepared to enjoy yourself. Awarded Best Cultural Experience in Ireland and listed at no. 2 on Tripadvisor, Glasnevin is a cemetery of historic importance. Museum, genealogy, gift shop and café on site. Open daily for guided tours and re-enactments museum@glasnevintrust.ie

Real Bodies at the Ambassador Theatre 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. Full details can be found on www.walkingtours.ie, by emailing to info@walkingtours.ie or by telephoning to 01 832 9406.

Powerscourt House and Gardens Beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens was recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic and is one of the mustsee tourist attractions in Ireland. Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt enjoys a breath-taking panorama. W: www.powerscourt.com E: info@powerscourt.net Ph: + 353 1 204 6000

This powerful exhibition explores life by displaying 14 perfectly preserved real human bodies and more than 200 anatomical specimens. Real Bodies connects audiences to a deeper sense of what it means to be alive. The exhibition consists of dramatic and compelling galleries that offer unique perspectives on human anatomy and its importance to world cultures as well as the emotional expression embedded in each of our physiological functions, pushing boundaries while seamlessly blending art, science, and emotion as a museum of the self. Real Bodies takes visitors on a journey asking them to explore who they are, where they come from and what they choose to do with the life and body they have been given. www.realbodies.ie

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. Don’t miss the fantastic new exhibition Shadow of Sodeisha; Japanese and Irish art in Clay, celebrating 60 years of Japanese/Irish relations which runs in the National Museum of History Decorative Arts until February 2018. Admission to the museum is free all year round. Tel 01 677 7444

Baggot Street welcomes a beautiful modern Italian restaurant! Open for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, Dinner 5pm 'til late, Mon- Sat www.cirillos.ie

Phone | +353 1 676 6848 Location | No. 140, Baggot St., Dublin 2 20

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

Recommended Bars in Leinster

Sin Ă&#x2030;

The Duke

Ideally situated close to Grafton Street, this old watering hole has been providing liquid refreshment and sustenance to the people of Dublin since 1822. They have a great selection of craft beers, whiskeys and gins for you to try, along with amazing food. The Duke is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of busy Grafton Street. 9 Duke St, Dublin 2 016799553

Sin Ă&#x2030; on Ormond Quay is Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original late night alternative music venue. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bluegrass, ska, alternative rock or open mic nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for, Sin Ă&#x2030; 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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a great atmosphere and some

Ç§ of the best musicians in Dublin then Sin Ă&#x2030; is Ä&#x2020;Ä&#x17E;ÇŚ Ä&#x17D;Ä&#x2019;Ä&#x160; Ä&#x160;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x201C; Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2014;Ä&#x201D;Ä&#x2019; Í&#x2022;Í&#x2013; Ä&#x201C;Ä&#x201D;Ä&#x201D;Ä&#x201C; definitely the place to be. strolling into the celt is like taking a trip to the west, play boys and

the celt

chailĂnĂ payfor attention and dance along the way to the early light

14 -15 Ormond Quay Í&#x2022; ÇŚ Í&#x153;555 Í&#x2013; Â&#x2013; Â&#x192; 4036 Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E; Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;& Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D; Â&#x2021;01 Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013; ÇĄ555 Â&#x2020; Â&#x2014; Â&#x201E;4037 Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Tel:Í&#x153;01 Â&#x2122;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2122;Ç¤Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Ç¤Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;ÇŁ Í&#x201D;Í&#x2022; Í&#x153;Í&#x203A;Í&#x153; Í&#x153;Í&#x161;Í&#x2122;Í&#x2122; www.sin-e.ie

Doheny & Nesbittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The Gravediggers

â&#x20AC;&#x153;John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, established in 1833 and still run by the Kavanagh Family today. One of Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest bars and best pint of Plain. No music no TV, but fine pints and fine food served. Beside the old cemetery gate hence our local name The Gravediggersâ&#x20AC;? 1 Prospect Sq., Dublin 9. Tel: 01 8307978

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 FionnĂĄn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the brown stuff and enjoy some delicious whiskey. Tickets available at the bar for â&#x201A;Ź18. 44 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 677 4810 www.theporterhouse.ie

Tap House

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

Dingle Whiskey Bar

The Celt

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. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

Groganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

This is the regular hang-out for Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

FEEL THE

Spirit of France IN THE HEART OF DUBLIN 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 well-heated 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. 133 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 www.chezmax.ie

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Mykonos Taverna

Authentic Greek food in the heart of Dublin. Mykonos Taverna offers traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka, Kleftiko and Souvlaki at incredibly good prices, all made from the freshest of ingredients from land and sea. 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! Make sure you try their delicious homemade ice cream too, which is made on the premises. The perfect way to round off a fantastic Greek meal. 76 Dame Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 561 3745 Email: mykonostaverna@dublin.com Web: www.mykonosdublin.com

Restaurant FortyOne

Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links

Situated just fifteen minutes from Dublin Airport, the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links has a number of fantastic restaurants. The Seaview restaurant offers specialised seaview dining with magnificent views of the Velvet Strand and Dublin Bay while The Jameson Bar features live music every Friday and Saturday night. The 1780 is the newest addition to the dining offerings at the hotel. Under the command of decorated Chef Tom Walsh and Restaurant Manager Derek Yu, the restaurant exemplifies an ethos of casual fine dining. With locally sourced food that is prepared by Tom and his team, this delicately selected menu is certain to appeal to all.

Peploe’s

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

Le Bon Crubeen

Strand Road, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin 01 8460611 www.portmarnock.com

Café Topolis 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

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. 37 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 670 4961

Camden Kitchen

This is one of the best value restaurants in Dublin, with a brasserie menu to suit all tastes. It has won Best Value Restaurant Dublin in the Dubliner, Best Pre-Theatre listing in Hot Press and Best Casual Dining in the Restaurant Awards Value and Quality. 81-2 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 704 0126 www.leboncrubeen.ie

Mexico to Rome

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Kafka Restaurant

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.

Chez Max

La Resérve Brasserie

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.

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.

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

Cirillo’s

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

La Ruelle Wine Bar

236 Rathmines Rd Lwr., Dublin 6 01 497 7057 www.kafka.ie

Asador Cirillo’s have gone to great lengths to ensure that their customers enjoy an authentic Italian meal. All of their pizzas are made to the traditional Vera Pizza Napoletana standards, using San Marzano tomatoes, 00 flour and fresh mozzarella all finished in a wood fire oven that they imported from Naples. All of their pasta, bread, pizza dough and ice creams are made in-house every day and they offer a wide variety of Italian wines, craft beers and aperitifs that beautifully compliment their seriously tasty meals. ‘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.

140 Baggot Street, Dublin 2 +353 1 6766848 www.cirillos.ie

Marcel’s Restaurant

ASADOR, the balance of flames, flavour and food.

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.

1 Victoria House, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4. Tel: 01 254 5353 www.asador.ie

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

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

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 APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

West Waterford Festival of Food Some of Ireland's finest chefs, producers, stallholders and all round lovers of fine food come to the beautiful coastal town of Dungarvan from 21-23 April to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the West Waterford Festival of Food. Combining the best of food and drink, engaging events, pop-up restaurants, one of Ireland's largest farmers' markets, trails and tours, kids' cookery, special birthday celebrations and much more, the 10th annual West Waterford Festival of food is a must visit for food lovers everywhere. The celebrations begin on Friday 21 April, with a number of events during the day and the launch party in Dungarvan's Grattan Square at 5pm. One of the perennial favourites, the Restaurant Trails the ultimate movable feast - starts on Friday night too, giving participants the chance to enjoy each course in a different restaurant. The Restaurant Trail is a delicious, sociable introduction to this friendly festival. Chefs Shane McGrath (The Cliff House Hotel), Darren Collins (The Olive Tree) and Paula Hannigan (Waterford Castle) work their magic with local produce they know and love at the Showcase Waterford Dinner while Lawlor's Hotel will host a celebration of Dungarvan's maritime heritage with a menu focused on the finest fresh local seafood. On Saturday night, the Tannery continues the festival tradition of hosting an exceptional cooking talent from elsewhere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this year that role going to chef Stephen Harris of The Sportsman in Whitstable. More big names will appear at The Tannery over the weekend, as OX come down from Belfast to cook a very special Sunday lunch. Fresh from their celebrated pop-up in partnership with the World's Best Bar, The Dead Rabbit in New York, this will be

a unique opportunity for festivalgoers to experience some of the finest cooking to be had anywhere on this island from the Michelin-star Belfast restaurant. The Farmer's Market is another hugely popular event and this year it takes place on Sunday 3 April. One of the largest artisan food markets on the island, this year is set to be the biggest yet with over 100 stalls showcasing the best producers and artisans of the region. Every day of West Waterford Festival of Food sees a busy schedule of trails and tours, whether it's seaweed foraging, taking one of the interesting Bus Bia tours with their three different itineraries full of fascinating visits to local farmers and producers, or dropping in to the Health Hub, a venue dedicated to the latest health and wellness trends in food, which has talks, panel discussions, films and demos running all weekend, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kids are always well catered for at the festival and this year there are events for kids of all ages - from toddlers to teens to enjoy. There will be fun events such as Busy with Biscuits to enjoy, as well as workshops for little pizza chefs and some family fun at King John's Castle. On top of all that, renowned pit-master John Relihan will be demoing his mastery of low and slow cooking with fire, Mezze will host a plant-based Middle-Eastern pop-up and The Irish Craft in a Glass series of talks will offer a series of opportunities to taste and learn about the increasingly popular craft beer, gin, cider and whiskeys of Ireland. With so much to do, see and most importantly taste, Dungarvan is the place to be for food lovers of all ages this month as the West Waterford Festival of Food celebrates its tenth birthday in style. www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

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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. 26

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

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.

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ituated 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. The 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 and, 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 getaway; 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 and Escapade Cobh, 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

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

complement the views, scenery, attractions and activities that Cobh has to offer. April sees the first of over sixty Cruise Liners visit Cobh, with these magnificent ships tying up right in the centre of town. The Titanic Memorial ceremony takes place on 9 April then its action all the way throughout the summer with a succession of events. In May, Cobh’s Readers and Writers Festival returns for the second year renamed CAFÉ Cobh Arts Festival (1 - 7 May) and the Ukulele Festival also returns for the second year (26 - 28 May). The Cork Harbour Festival from (3 - 11 June) incorporates the Ocean to City rowing race from the mouth of Cork Harbour to Cork City on 3 June. There will be free events on Sunday 4 June, including crab fishing from the Promenade in Cobh, while Cobh’s natural amphitheatre will also play host to the South of Ireland Pipe Band Championships. Summer Swing sessions and live music on the Victorian bandstand in the Promenade on the waterfront will also be a feature of every Sunday afternoon from May until September. At the end of June 2017, Cobh’s maritime connections are strongly embraced when the annual Trad Sail Festival Regatta takes place from 30 June to 2 July. Australia Day in Cobh is celebrated on 7 July 2017. 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 seventh 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 world class athlete 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. 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. Also in September, Cobh Blues Festival celebrates over 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 the wide range of tourist attractions making it the perfect spot for your next getaway. www.visitcobh.com

Over 70 million people around the world claim direct descent from Irish emigrants who left our shores and set out to distant lands on epic journeys. At EPIC in Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Docklands you can take an interactive journey of discovery to find out why they left, see how they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between their descendants and Ireland today. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Visit www.epicchq.com or call +353 (0)1 906 0861 to book your tickets.

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

Recommended Bars in Munster O’Neill’s Bar

O’Neill’s Bar/Mol’s Restaurant is located at the top of the town of Tramore. It’s one of the original family owned and run, bar & restaurants in Tramore. With its long standing tradition in sport it’s no wonder this bar is the main sports bar in the town. Since its renovation in 2015 the bar has gone from strength to strength with now one of the most comfortable and accommodating smoking rooms in the country. Live music every Thursday to Sunday ensures that your visit will be one you won’t forget. They also have a top class restaurant adjacent to the bar which serves excellent cuisine hosting a range of dishes sourced locally with the best Waterford has to offer

Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, Irish Whiskey Experience

Developed by whiskey lovers as a first class destination for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike. Guests will be amazed by shelf upon shelf of Irish, Scottish & international whiskies and a wide variety of Irish craft gin & vodka, craft beer and cider, eclectic wine list, and creative cocktail menu. Fresh, locally sourced food served daily. Irish Whiskey Experience offers the chance to discover more about the history, production & renaissance of Irish whiskey, with 10 masterclasses to choose from, running every day. 93 New Street Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: +353646635700 www.celticwhiskeybar.com www.irishwhiskeyexperience.net

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

O’Neills Bar, Summerhill, Tramore, Co.Waterford

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.

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

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. 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) 30

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

Recommended Restaurants in Munster The Munster Room Restaurant

The Munster Room Restaurant at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort provides an opportunity to taste the best of traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine. The awardwinning restaurant is critically acclaimed in the Michelin Guide and holder of two AA Rosette accredited. The Resort’s Head Chef Michael Thomas was awarded “Best Chef of Ireland 2017” by Yes Chef Ireland. Under his direction the award-winning culinary team uses only the finest local produce and creates a truly memorable fine dining experience. All this set aside the Munster Rooms warm ambience, wonderful oak paneled walls and ornate ceiling it’s easy to see why it’s such a winning choice. Waterford Castle offers an extensive wine cellar and cocktail hour in The Fitzgerald Bar with the winning mixologist Ilario is not to be missed. Start your magical evening with a short crossing over the King’s Channel by the Island Resort’s private car ferry, to the enchanted 310 acre Island Resort. Waterford Castle leave your worries at the shore… Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort |The Island |Waterford | Ireland Castle Tel: +353 (0)51 878 203 http://www.waterfordcastleresort.com/ munster-room-restaurant

The Copper Hen

The Copper Hen Restaurant is situated above Mother McHugh’s Pub on the Copper Coast between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford. The restaurant was opened in November 2010 by award-winning chef Eugene Long and his wife Sinead Frisby. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the food is reasonably priced. Diners can choose from a range of locally sourced food, such as Kilmore crab claws, sautéed Tiger Prawns or Portobello mushroom bruschetta to start and Irish Hereford sirloin steak, grilled fillet of salmon or pan-roasted Dunmore Cod as main courses. The Copper Hen offers an unforgettable casual dining experience that visitors to Waterford can’t miss out on. Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Tel: 051 330 300 www.thecopperhen.ie

La Boheme

Dingle Harbour. Tel: 066 915 0811

This ocean front family run (2nd generation) establishment opened in 1980. The restaurant has been praised by gastronomic writers worldwide. It’s not hard to see why as the Chef/Proprietor, Henry Hunt, takes pride in serving fresh local produce. Panoramic views from the dining room, and friendly service, will give you the perfect dining experience. For total relaxation why not have an overnight stay in one of the comfortable guest rooms. 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

L’Atitude 51

Out of the Blue

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.

The Smuggler’s Inn

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 fine dining and wine bar with bistro menu options, qualifies La Boheme as a hidden gem in the heart of Waterford City. Open Monday - Saturday 5.30pm until late (Open Bank Holiday Sundays) 2 George’s St., Waterford. Tel: 051 875645 www.labohemerestaurant.ie

This Wine Workshop and live music venue is open six days a week for morning coffee, lunch and light evening meals. They offer and impressive variety of wines and craft beers and were winners of the prestigious Georgina Campbell Wine Award of the Year in 2015. Their menu offers simple, seasonal food with a distinct French, Italian and Irish influence. 1 Union Quay, Cork Ph: 021 2390219 www.latitude51.ie APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Explore Munster

The Hunt Museum Loop Head Lighthouse This popular tourist attraction is located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary on the Loop Head Peninsula, which is one of two “Signature Discovery Points” in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. It also is a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail and is one of 12 Great Lighthouses of Ireland. The lighthouse is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s. The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is monitored by the CIL.Open daily (10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.) until 5 November.

Jameson Experience, Midleton Co.Cork

Cliffs of Moher

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 32

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

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.

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.

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

Mermaid Arts Centre

Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray is a space where ideas, creativity, imagination and artistic expression can find a home. Every month, Mermaid’s programme is packed full of exciting theatre, cinema, music and comedy from a diverse range of performers - from local groups to big name, established acts. Bray is also a great place to visit. You can stroll along the seafront, visit the aquarium or climb the famous Bray Head. But after all of that is done, make sure you pop in to Mermaid to enjoy one of their amazing shows. We take a look at some cinema highlights to watch out for this month.

Valley of Love (Cert: Club) Valley of Love tells the story of two famous actors, Isabelle (Isabelle Huppert) and Gérard (Gérard Depardieu), a former couple who receive a letter from their son, six months after his suicide. The letter asks them to visit five places at Death Valley, which will make the son reappear. This posthumous rendezvous is orchestrated with precision for these two grieving parents who have not seen each other for years. Language: French, English (English Subtitles) Short film January Hymn will be screened prior to Valley of Love Monday 3 April | 8pm Tickets: €8.50/7

The Olive Tree (Cert:TBC) Alma's family has been producing olive oil in Spain's Castellón for generations. Yet changing pressures in the industry have made their traditional practices economically untenable, and the family is now in the mass-production poultry business. Alma's grandfather has not spoken in years and no longer wants to eat. She realizes he has been grieving for a thousandyear-old olive tree that the family sold to pay some debts. Alma undertakes a mission to locate the tree and return it to the family orchard so that her grandfather may have peace in his final days. Monday 10 April | 8pm Tickets: €8/6.50 Language: Spanish, German, English, French (English Subtitles) This film The Olive Tree contains a sequence of flashing lights which might affect customers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

Queen of Katwe (Cert PG) Queen of Katwe is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Language: English Tuesday 11 April| 2.30pm Tickets: €5

The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (Cert: Club) 25-year old Olli Mäki, a European amateur boxing champion, is training for the match of a lifetime. As Olli struggles to balance his preparations with the pressures of being in the media spotlight, he also finds himself falling in love with local beauty Raija, much to the dissatisfaction of his ambitious manager Elis. Beautifully shot in black and white, and with quietly powerful performances, this charming portrayal of one man's challenge to determine his life's priorities is the most unconventional boxing film and feel-good love story you'll see this year. Monday 24 April | 8pm & Tuesday 25 April |2.30pm Tickets: €8.50/7 | €5 (Matinee) Language: Finnish, English (English Subtitles)

www.mermaidartscentre.ie 34

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Waterford Castle Golf Club W

aterford Castle Golf Club is the place to play in 2017. Celebrating their 25th anniversary with the much anticipated Pro-Am, July 1st. Team bookings are available now. Ireland’s only true island golf course surrounded by the River Suir is accessed by complimentary car ferry. WCGC enjoys idyllic seclusion located minutes from Waterford city centre and just 90 mins from Dublin and Cork. The 310-acre private island golf course is ranked in the top 30 parkland courses in Ireland by Golf Ireland. Challenge your colleagues and your game on the 18-hole par 72 championship golf course, designed by Des Smyth, former Ryder Cup Player & Vice-Captain. The par-72, 6,814-yard golf course covering an area of over 200 acres on the Island Resort, combines the best of parkland and woodland areas including numerous scenic and strategically challenging features. All this set aside the Golf Performance Centre offering Custom fittings. This fantastic course has everything for a wonderful golfing holiday, including; Practice Facilities, a 300 yard Driving Range, a Practice and Putting green, a Chipping and Short game area, Parkland and Woodland, Scenic and Strategically Challenging Features, the Kings Channel Clubhouse, a Function Room, Men’s & Ladies locker-rooms, Complimentary Car Ferry to the Island Resort, Free Car Parking, Rental Clubs, Rental Buggies, a Golf

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Shop and a Golf Performance Centre with Custom Fitting. The Island Resort Lodges are ideal for the perfect Golf Getaway.The 45 family friendly lodges sleeping up to 6 in three double rooms plus a sofa bed and the Resort offers special Stay & Play packages. The luxurious 16th Century Castle offers 19 bedrooms and suites. The award winning Munster Room Restaurant, as critically acclaimed in the Michelin Guide and holder of two 2AA Rosette is a wonderful treat to include in your golf getaway while The Kings Channel Golf Club serves delicious food throughout the day. For larger groups a private room with BBQ Terrace is also available. Waterford Castle Golf Club offers the latest technology to help improve your golf game. PGA Professional Ryan Madigan offers guaranteed improvements with just a few lessons in the new performance center. “I use the latest technology and give real time 3d visual of a golfers swing from set up to impact added with the customs fittings their game improves instantly”, says Ryan. The new technology gathers all the ball and club data to show the precise fit and the perfect club can then be fitted for the individual golfer needs. “We use high speed cameras to give the player visual feedback of swing changes made, this gives the player the opportunity to see first hand the progress they are

making with their swing,” he says. “While custom fitting our focus is to choose a set of golf clubs that produces not only more distance but more accurate shots. In only one hour at the golf performance centre we can improve a player’s game by fitting them for their perfect set of clubs.” What’s more, the whole experience is great value with Ryan proudly proclaiming: “Our prices can’t be beat.” Booking is required, please contact the Pro Shop. The Teaching and Fitting center at Waterford Castle is equipped with all the latest tools and technology that the world’s elite players use to improve their games on a daily basis. With the use of video analysis with top-of-the-range high speed cameras combined with one of the leading launch monitors available the learning center at Waterford Castle is the premier destination in the SouthEast to improve your game. The beautiful hotel and golf have won multiple awards, including; 'The Best Wedding Venue 2016' by Irish Wedding Diary, '7th of the 50 Best Hotels in The World 2016' by Condé Nast, '3rd in the Top Ten Hotels of Europe 2016' by Condé Nast Traveler, 'Best Chef of Ireland 2017' by YesChef Ireland, 'National Cocktail Champion 2017' by Bartenders Association of Ireland - BAI and The Munster Room Restaurant was voted "Best Hotel Restaurant 2017" in Munster by Irish Restaurant Awards, Ireland Restaurant Association. What better place to relax in after an enjoyable round of golf than in a place that has won so many awards for its excellent service? What’s more, the green fees for the course are superb value all year round. From 1 April to 31 October,Visitors can enjoy a round for €35 Monday - Friday and €50 Saturday - Sunday while Societies can play for €30 Monday to Friday and €40 Saturday - Sunday. They carry a full range of the latest Titleist golf clubs as part of their rental clubs for all visitors along with new club car buggies. They have everything you need for a truly enjoyable golfing vacation at Waterford Castle.

Contact Ryan Madigan, Golf Manager, PGA Professional Waterford Castle Golf Club - WCGC, The Island, Waterford, Ireland Resort Tel: +353 (0) 51 878 203 Pro Shop Tel: +353 (0)51 871633 www.waterfordcastleresort.com E. golf@waterfordcastleresort.com

_______________________________ 0 ,00 E 8 € RIZ P PRO UND F

_______________________________ Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort the island, Waterford, Ireland _______________________________ in association with PGA in Ireland

S at u r d ay 1 s t

€450

Price Per Amateur Team 3 Players

• Golf at Waterford Castle Golf Club • Hole in one special win a MAZDA 6 valued at €37,000 with a hole in one on the 16th (t&c) • Gala Presentation Dinner at the King's Channel Club House • Amateur Prizes worth over €3,000 • Buggies / Caddy's available on request

______________________________ ______________________________ • Tournament Welcome Pack

• Professional Individual Stroke Play Prize Fund €8,000

George Corbett Mazda

Call us on 051 871 633 or visit online

w w w. w a t e r f o r d c a s t l e re s o r t . c o m

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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

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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.

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Shadow of Sodeisha

Japanese and Irish art in Clay at the National Museum of Ireland

he National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History have announced an exciting new exhibition which marks the 60th anniversary of the official commencement of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. “Shadow of Sodeisha; Japanese and Irish art in Clay” displays the work of twelve leading contemporary ceramic artists from both countries. The title Shadow of Sodeisha takes its name from the Japanese post-war avant-garde ceramic movement, founded in 1948.The Sodeisha or ‘Crawling through Mud Association’ aimed to reject traditional historical precedents.They favoured instead work rooted in the international modes and idealism of modernist art through the use of clay in abstract sculpture. Paying homage to this, one of Japan’s greatest contributions to 20th century world art, twelve artists (six representing Japan and six representing Ireland) were invited to participate in this show.The Irish artists include Isobel Egan, Frances Lambe, Deirdre McLoughlin, Michael Moore, Nuala O’Donovan and Katharine West.The artists representing Japan include some of the best known early

21st century followers of the innovative approach of the original Sodeisha artists: Satoru Hoshino, Jia-haur Liang, Akito Morino, Mitsuo Shoji, Kazuo Takiguchi and Hidemi Tokutake. Admission to this fascinating exhibition is free and it will be open to the public until February 2018 so there is ample time to fit in multiple visits to this celebration of relations between the two great nations of Japan and Ireland. www.museum.ie

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Recommended Bars 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

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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

APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Explore Connaught

Lovely Leitrim Barge Holiday Boatel Kylemore Abbey Few places on earth have the tranquillity and beauty of Kylemore Abbey and its majestic Victorian walled garden, which 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.

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. The most dramatic waterfall descends 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.

Arigna Mining Experience Discover what coal mining life was like for coal miners in the Arigna Valley in Roscommon from the 1700’s until its closure in 1990. Visit the exhibition area to discover the history of the mine and then take an underground tour of the mine, where the methods used to extract coal are demonstrated, with lighting and sound effects added for authenticity.

Mullaghmore

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017

You can book online at www.bargeholidayboatel.ie

Dún Aonghasa National Museum of Ireland - Country Life The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar houses exhibits showing how rural people in Ireland lived from the time of the Great Famine right up until the 1950s. The museum features four levels of interactive displays and exhibitions that offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the rural Irish people in years gone by.

Connemara 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. Surfers and windsurfers from all over the world have ridden 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.

Mary McInerney and Jorn Bjerknes invite you to join them on their luxury custom made barge for an unforgettable experience traversing the Shannon waterways. Whether you fancy going fishing, a leisurely cruise down the Shannon, going for a round of golf, or anything else you can think of, Mary and Jorn are happy to cater to what is required.

Connemara is a world of 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.

Located on Inismór in the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is one of the best examples of a semi-circular stone fort in Europe. Located on the 300ft cliffside on the south of the island, it is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions and offers stunning views that stretch the length of the island.

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport, and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. 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.

Galway Food Festival 2017 to Celebrate ‘Food and the Community’

The sixth annual Galway Food Festival will take place over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend from 13–17 April.This year the festival’s theme will celebrate the relationship between Food and the Community through an innovative food programme of over 100 events, focusing on Galway’s 21st Century cultural identity through food. Galway has a growing reputation as the Food Capital of the Wild Atlantic Way and has been selected as the European Region of Gastronomy for 2018. The festival features an extensive programme of talks, workshops, tours and inhouse events, and it will encourage people to reconnect with where their food comes from, tapping back into our knowledge of what nature can provide for us. Commenting on this year’s festival theme, organiser, Heather Flaherty said: “Food is not just fuel for the body. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well. When we start trying to make healthier choices, we discover many of the choices that are good for our own personal health are also good for the environment, our community, and our local economy. It’s a virtuous cycle. Choosing the right food for our bodies and mind helps the environment and the farmers. There’s an incredible ripple effect way beyond that one choice. Every day, citizens are creating a better world through their individual and community food choices. We want to get Galway asking questions. What are the choices that we make about food? What can we do as a member of a community? Can we influence how our children’s school looks at food and their role in purchasing and growing food? Is there something you can do with your friends or your colleagues?” Festival events celebrating Food and the Community will include the pairing of diverse

community groups with award-winning chefs to work together in creating a healthier and happier life through good food. Sports teams will visit community gardens to learn about healthy eating; immigrant communities living in Galway will come together to share their food culture; linking different sectors within the food industry and challenging them to work together; and a massive ‘community pot luck’ a tradition where families or guests bring a cultural dish from their particular country of origin and is shared among the community. Breaking Bread, a community driven event will bring together various cultural, religious, sporting and special interest groups to share food, stories and ideas. The event will be hosted by Galway Food Festival in conjunction with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture and hopes to create a legacy of community inclusion and collaboration that will include a charity food drive taking place at the Spanish Arch on Easter Monday. Galway Food Festival and Slow Food Galway will collaborate to present the Grandmother’s Day Competition, which takes place on Good Friday during the Festival. The competition is open to 4th and 5th class students who are being asked to have a conversation with, and explore food recipes with their Grandmother (or Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle, Parent) and each student with their class must submit a food story, cook one of the recipes shared with them and continue the tradition of passing down recipes from each generation to young people. Hotel Meyrick will partner with CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices at NUI Galway, to

host a Children’s workshop on Molecular Gastronomy. On this very special afternoon their scientists will become masters of the molecular wacky, and children will be their willing assistants. The workshop will be a fun way for kids to explore how natural materials are used in medicine, and how they are designed to deliver biomolecules. Children can also participate in a hands-on activity creating their own flavoured ‘energy spheres’ alongside CÚRAM scientists. Halla Bia, will see Galway's very first indoor market showcasing over 40 indigenous food producers and suppliers throughout the West of Ireland who will showcase their produce in the old Connacht Tribune Printing Works in the city centre. This festival initiative is in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office. Halla Bia will be open to the public from Good Friday, 14 April through to Easter Sunday, 16 April. Visitors can once again savour the many foods available at the open air markets and Festival Village at Fishmarket Square in the Spanish Arch. Additional events will include an extended food trail, the ever popular talks at Druid’s Mick Lally Theatre, the ‘Made in Galway’ demo tent and an expansion of the eclectic programme of Food Tours. There will be lots of in-house events that will include exciting pop ups, cocktail classes, wine and whiskey tastings and a comprehensive schedule of talks on a range of topical issues within the food and drinks industry. For further information contact info@galwayfoodfestival.com. Full Programme details available at www.galwayfoodfestival.com APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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 44

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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

Fidelma Massey

at Gallery Zozimus

idelma Massey has been making sculpture for over 30 years. Many people will know her work from Sculpture in Context, Bloom, and the R.H.A. She has shown in most of the big group shows over the years, and consistently in many galleries during that time. Now she brings her first solo Dublin show - entitled ‘Images for the Little Gods’ - to Gallery Zozimus from 27 April to 14 May. Massey makes detailed, precise, graceful sculptures, in ceramic and bronze, as well as drawings and prints. Her forms are witty, wildly imaginative, often humorous, and always engage the emotions. She has had solo shows in the Greenlane Gallery in Kerry, where she is well known, and many two and three person shows. The most recent of these was ‘The Storytellers’ in the Chapel Gallery, Lancashire in 2014. She has also shown in France, Italy and Germany, and her work is in many private collections. At present, she is working on ceramics

for the show in April, including ‘Cherub’ which she says is more owl than angel and ‘Leafwing’ which is described as a springtime figure. There are three more works in the making at the moment and there will possibly be a fourth included in the show. Most of the bronze work is finished and there are some fascinating works included. These include ‘Melusine’ is a figure from Breton folklore. She is a feminine spirit of fresh water and is usually depicted as a woman who is a serpent or fish from the waist down (much like a mermaid). This one is asleep and dreaming. ‘Birdbeast’ and ‘Striding Birdbeast’ are two of the quirkier pieces in the show, and there is certainly a suggestion of little demon about them. Massey says of these pieces: “I think they might be about me. Perhaps about a certain frustration in not quite being able to fly (those wings would need to grow a bit more) and having to walk instead.” ‘The Fearless Child’ was originally made

as a proposal for a much larger sculpture for a school. Massey says of this piece: “Ravens have a reputation for intelligence in folklore, and in this piece they are speaking to the child, giving her their wisdom. She holds an egg, which for me always means the unknown, something potential but not yet manifest.” This thought-provoking show promises to be an amazing experience and Massey has more reason than most to be excited about her first solo Dublin show. “This Solo show in Gallery Zozimus is the highlight of my year,” she says. “After my upcoming marriage which will take place just before the show.” So there’s exciting times ahead for this wonderfully talented artist. What better way to share in that excitement than by taking a trip to Gallery Zozimus to marvel at the ‘Images for the Little Gods’. www.galleryzozimus.ie

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Explore Ulster

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, 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.

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. 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.

Dunluce Castle With a rich history, in a stunning, location, Dunluce Castle on the coast of Antrim is just waiting to be explored. Visitor information includes an audio visual tour of the castle, with a ‘treasure hunt’ encouraging younger visitors to explore. You can also download a Dunluce Castle app for iPhone and Android devices, available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play. 46

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The Old Bushmills Distillery 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.

Ulster American Folk Park 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.

Down County Museum Situated next to the Down Cathedral, the Down County Museum houses modern galleries telling the stories of the area and fantastic temporary exhibitions. Learn about the museum’s history as a gaol and see the Downpatrick High Cross before relaxing in their new Cathedral View Tea Room.

Belleek Pottery 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.

Glenveagh National Park The second largest national park in Ireland, Glenveagh is a remote and beautiful wilderness in the north-west of Donegal. Full of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Visitors can also take a tour of Glenveagh Castle on the banks of Lough Veagh and take a walk through the beautiful walled gardens, which boast a multitude of exotic plant.

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.

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

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 APRIL 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

Recommended Bars 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 48

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Japanese and Irish art in clay

Free admission to the greatest collections of Irish heritage, culture and history in the world. Museum CafĂŠ & Museum Shop. New e xhibitions, family programme and events for people of all ages. www.museum.ie

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Sunday 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays including Bank Holidays Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dubin 7 Tel (01)6777 444, info@museum.ie LUAS Red Line - Museum Stop

Great Irish Writers Edna O'Brien

he may now be regarded as one of modern Ireland’s greatest writers, but there was a time when Edna O’Brien was not quite as revered in her home country. O’Brien first came to prominence in the 1960s - a time when the Catholic Church still held huge influence over life in Ireland - and her work proved controversial, as it broke the silence on sexual and social issues that were not often publicly acknowledged at the time. She found her work banned in Ireland and she was denounced from the pulpit. However, a more enlightened Ireland has now come to view O’Brien as the national treasure and brilliant writer that she is - a writer who is still producing brilliant and critically acclaimed work well into her ninth decade. O’Brien was born in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare in December 1930. She later described her childhood as lonely, telling the Irish Times in 2015 that: “I was always a lonely person...I had that sense of being cut off from the dance of life.” Her mother was extremely strict and religious and strongly disapproved of

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Photo: Andrew Lih

literature. She once tried to burn a Sean O’Casey book that she found in Edna’s possession. O’Brien later moved to Dublin and married the writer Ernest Gébler, much to her parents’ disapproval. The couple moved to London - where O’Brien still lives today - and had two sons, Carlo and Sasha but the marriage was not a happy one and they broke up in 1964. According to Carlo, one of the main reasons that the marriage broke up was that Gébler became jealous of his wife’s literary success. O’Brien’s first book, The Country Girls, was a huge success internationally but caused scandal in her native country and was banned there due to the novel’s portrayal of the sex lives of its main characters. The content of her novels and reports of involvement with people in literary circles soon led to O’Brien being somewhat unfairly portrayed as a controversial figure in Ireland. Nevertheless, her success continued and she released The Lonely Girl in 1962 and Girls In Their Married Bliss in 1964. These would later be collected as The Country

Girls Trilogy and would be credited in helping launch a new generation of Irish writers - such as Anne Enright, Nuala O’Faolain and Colm Tóibín - who confronted issues that affected modern Irish society. She has continued to write prolifically, releasing 18 novels, as well as several short story collections, plays, biographies and a memoir entitled Country Girl in 2012. Throughout her career, she has continued to tackle difficult subjects and serve as an inspiration to Irish writers who have come after her. Her latest novel, The Little Red Chair, was released in 2015 and was hailed by some critics as her best work yet. It tackles the theme of immigration and tells the story of a girl in a provincial town who falls in love with a Serbian who moves to the town and is, unbeknownst to her, actually a notorious war criminal. Still as socially engaged as ever and unafraid to tackle themes that others may think controversial, Edna O’Brien is still producing amazing writing that has inspired this generation and no doubt many more generations to come.

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