Travel Ireland Magazine Volume 4 Issue 41

Travelireland Volume 4 Issue 41 September 2017

magazine

The Longines Champions Weekend

Dublin

Theatre Festival

Pat Liddy explores

The Gaiety Theatre’s rich Historical past

Colourful Cobh and the Blues effect

Cork

Folk Festival

Bray Literary Festival

National Museum of Ireland celebrate their 20th Anniversary

Priceless treasures that belong to everyone

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

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 2pm to 5pm.

Closed: Mondays including Bank Holidays

Guided Tours & Lectures. Museum Shops & Cafes.

For further information Telephone (01) 6777 444

Archaeology Natural History Decorative Arts & History Country Life

Free Admission Free Exhibitions Guided Tours Museum Shops & Cafes

Family programmes & events for people of all ages.

For information visit: www.museum.ie

CONTENTS

4 Welcome To Leinster 6 Dublin Theatre Festival 8 National Museum of Ireland 10 Theatre 12 The Gaiety Theatre

14 Gallery Zozimus 16 Shopping 18 Explore Leinster 19 Leinster Bars 20 Leinster Restaurants 22 Longines Championship 23 Dublin Ghostbus Tour 24 Welcome to Munster 26 Cobh Tourism 28 Cobh Blues Festival 30 Explore Munster 31 Munster Bars 32 Munster Restaurants 34 Bray Literary Festival 36 Welcome to Connaught 38 Cork Folk Festival 40 Connaught Bars 41 Connaught Restaurants 42 Explore Connaught 44 Welcome to Ulster 46 Ulster Restaurants 47 Explore Ulster 48 Hard Working Class Heroes 49 Belfast Hidden Tours 50 Great Irish Writer

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 September 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. This month sees a host of great shows and events all across the country. The National History Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary at Collins Barracks while we peek inside Peploe’s following their €400,000 makeover. Race lovers will want to take a trip to the Longines Irish Champions Weekend and Bray is the place to be for lovers of literature. We take a look that all Cobh has to offer and preview the fantastic Guinness Cobh Blues Festival. Whatever you end up doing, we at Travel Ireland wish you a hefty and heartfelt Céad míle fáilte and hope you enjoy your stay.

Taisteal sásta (Happy Travels)

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Published by Ellen Media Communications Ltd Publisher John Carey Features Writer Mark O’Brien Design & Art Direction Outburst Design Advertising John Carey (john@ellenmediacom.ie, 01 561 2431, 087 911 3732) 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.

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

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

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

If you want to escape to the country without

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

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

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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!

DUBLIN L A V I T S E F E THEATR

28 Sept – 15 Oct 2017

The 60th anniversary Dublin Theatre Festival will run from 28 Sept – 15 Oct 2017.The very first festival in May 1957, was part of An Tóstal – a celebration inspired by the wave of festivals that had been founded across Europe during the preceding decade as the continent rebuilt itself after the devastation of war.

Established initially to promote tourism during the off-season, the festival has grown to become an artistically led flagship cultural event that animates Dublin each autumn, welcoming audiences from all over Ireland and beyond. Now in this 60th anniversary year the festival both celebrates what has gone before while looking firmly to the future and the ahead.

This 60th anniversary programme will include 31 full productions, over 16 stages across the city, including: Described by The Guardian as ‘An epic feminist protest song’, the hugely acclaimed new version of Aeschylus's play The Suppliant Women opens the festival at the Gaiety Theatre. A story about the plight of refugees, moral and human rights, civil war, democracy and ultimately the triumph of love - a tale that echoes down the ages to find striking and poignant resonance today. Fifty local female volunteers, aged 16-25, will perform alongside a professional cast to create an extraordinary theatrical event.

Multi-award winning company ANU returns to the festival with a searingly intimate investigation into the corrupting force of the Irish family. At the edge of the city, a group of women stand together.

As property of the state, they are a warning to others of what happens if the rules of Church and family are violated.They are The Sin Eaters.

Oscillating through real events in our recent history, audiences weave between dream installation and judicial inquiry, to reshape state and body in this unsettling way, towards a future that looks horribly like the present.

From Corn Exchange, Nora, a new play after Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, makes its world premiere. Inspired by Ibsen’s masterpiece, awardwinning writer Belinda McKeon reimagines this exploration of honesty and power for a post-truth world. It’s 2025. A dangerous place for those who can’t afford to protect themselves. Directed by Eoghan Carrick, cast includes Venetia Bowe, Clare Perkins and Annie Ryan.

Eugene McCabe’s King of the Castle premiered at Dublin Theatre Festival in 1964 to acclaim and scandal.The brilliant Druid now revive this unsung Irish classic, directed by Garry Hynes at the Gaiety Theatre, with epic staging and a cast that includes Seán McGinley, Seána Kerslake and Marty Rea. 6

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From Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival, Woyzeck in Winter, also at the Gaiety Theatre, is an electrifying fusion of two masterpieces - Büchner’s Woyzeck and Schubert’s Winterreise. Thrillingly reimagined by Conall Morrison and an outstanding creative team, this visually stunning production features the phenomenal Irish cast of Patrick O’Kane, Camille O’Sullivan, Stephen Brennan, Peter Coonan, Susannah De Wrixon, Rosaleen Linehan, Barry McGovern, Rory Nolan and Shane O’Reilly, with live music played by Conor Linehan.

Winners of the Olivier Award 2016, Fishamble: The New Play Company, and Costa Book of the Year Award winner 2017, Sebastian Barry, reunite for the world premiere production of On Blueberry Hill at the Pavilion Theatre.

Graham McLaren directs and designs Ulysses

by James Joyce, adapted by Dermot Bolger who pays homage to Joyce’s classic with a brilliantly edited, vibrant version at the Abbey Theatre.

A solo work for an eleven-year-old boy, Hamnet, an Abbey Theatre and Dead Centre coproduction on the Peacock stage. Staring Ollie West and directed by Bush Moukarzel and Ben Kidd.

A world premiere production, from Rough Magic, Melt is about the folly of humankind, our Icarus-like ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and the damage we do ourselves and our world in the process. Its setting is the Antarctic – the last great wilderness, the edge of the known world, the one relatively uncontaminated territory. Into this idyllic landscape is catapulted the gloriously anarchic Boylan, a pioneering Irish ecologist gone rogue. Melt is a funny, sophisticated fairytale that explores the human condition, acknowledges its fragility, directed by Lynne Parker.

Artistic Director Willie White said of the programme: ‘We are very excited to be marking 60 years of Dublin Theatre Festival with a diverse programme of contemporary Irish and international theatre which showcases the next generation of theatre talent alongside celebrated artists. Since our first edition 60

years ago, Ireland has changed profoundly and Irish theatre has been transformed along with it. Festival programmes have followed, and often catalysed, that change. This festival embraces the breadth of contemporary Irish theatre and celebrates the particular energy that comes from so many new works having their world premieres alongside each other, accompanied by outstanding international productions.

While I expect that festival performances will engage, provoke and entertain, I hope that they may also give audiences an opportunity to reflect on the values of empathy, generosity and solidarity, which are currently under such pressure globally. The programme is aimed at all ages and devised to appeal to those attending for the very first time as well as seasoned theatre goers. Initiatives we are undertaking this year will see hundreds of people attending a festival production for the first time as we believe that creating the widest access possible to arts and culture is key to a confident, creative Ireland.’

In recent years the festival has celebrated greats of Irish theatre such as Tom Murphy and Brian Friel and Sinéad Cusack and this year the life and work of Rosaleen and Fergus Linehan will be honoured at the Dublin Theatre Festival Gala Night.

For younger audiences the festival has once again teamed up with The Ark to present a number of internationally acclaimed works for children Children includes works from Norway and the UK. Poggle for ages 2-5, If only Rosa could Do Magic for ages 5-9 and, for ages 10+ We Come From Far Far Away, where a boy called Abdullah, who comes from Syria wants to tell you some things (inspired by true stories) Festival+ is a series of work-in-progress showcases, talks and public events, special broadcasts and readings, and audience engagement programmes. This year’s expanded Festival+ programme is presented in association with Creative Ireland and includes critical events, opportunities for artistic development and networking, a public lecture on Dublin Theatre Festival and the city 1957 – 2017, and new writing and engagement.

Whether you’re young or old, a seasoned theatre regular or have never set foot in a theatre before but have always been curious to find out what it’s all about, this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival has something for everyone to enjoy.

Booking details: Online: www.dublintheatrefestival.com By phone: +353 1 673 0606 In person: Dublin Theatre Festival box office, Festival House, 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Peploe’s Makeover Trading now for over 14 years on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin city, Peploe’s has relaunched with a new look and feel that cost in the region of €400,000 and spectacularly was completed in just two and a half weeks over late July, early August.

Trading now for over 14 years on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin city, Peploe’s has relaunched with a new look and feel that cost in the region of €400,000 and spectacularly was completed in just two and a half weeks over late July, early August.

“Out with the old in with the new” said Barry Canny, Restaurant Owner. “Time to celebrate Dublin City being returned to the people after two and a half years of upheaval with LUAS works”.

The chic new look is inspired by restaurants in New York, Paris and London. The changes have been embraced by loyal regulars and everyone is pleased that Peploe’s whilst offering a new ambiance is still offering the same quality and value in terms of food and drinks.

It’s not hard to see why people come from so far and wide to enjoy a meal at this wonderful restaurant. There’s nowhere else that puts such care and attention into their varied menu. Their kitchen operates 24 hours a day, with staff working through the night preparing fresh ingredients for the next day’s service.

Nothing is bought in pre-prepared and they go to great lengths to support local producers.

As well as delicious meat and vegetarian/vegan dishes, Peploe’s offer a fantastic range of seafood choices, local suppliers deliver twice a day. The culinary team have even gone so far as to head out with the fishermen to learn more about the impressive catch they cook daily.

Peploe’s bar is now the pièce de résistance with a newly granted full restaurant licence, a

cheeky cocktail before or after your meal is a must. That said Peploe’s will continue to import their own wines directly from Europe which allows them to offer wine at extremely competitive prices. Owner Barry Canny and General Manager Frederic Pelanne visit each winery annually in person to test the vintages and further cement the ongoing working relationship with the vineyard owners.

The newly renovated Peploe’s is open seven

days a week for lunch & dinner, it is truly the perfect place for lunch when out shopping or enjoying the sights of Dublin. The intimate setting and central location make it a great dinner venue too with an excellent pretheatre menu available from 12.30 to 6.15pm.

To book a table at Peploe’s visit http://peploes.com or phone +353 (1) 6763144.

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The National Museum of Ireland -

Decorative Arts & History Celebrates its 20th Birthday On 18 September 1997, the National Museum of Ireland opened a new Dublin site at Collins Barracks.The vast majority of the collections on display at this new museum came from the Art & Industrial Division of the National Museum of Ireland, whose role since its foundation in 1877, is to safeguard Ireland’s heritage in the decorative arts as well as its political, military and social history.

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The Museum became known as the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month with a very special trail through history.

The trail will showcase items acquired by the museum over the past 20 years. These objects include; “The Non-conformist Chair” by Eileen Gray, “The Unhappy Judas” by Harry Clarke, a “Gold Brooch” by Joseph Johnson and many others pieces that reveal the variety of material and underline the museum’s mission to acquire treasures for the nation.

Collins Barracks is named after Michael Collins, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State Army. He had previously displayed heroic leadership during the War of Independence (1920-1921) but unfortunately, he was assassinated in 1922 during the Irish Civil War, aged just 31.

To celebrate their special anniversary, a webpage will be launched, with the content

referring to Collins Barracks, the National Museum of Ireland, and to five iconic objects that the Museum is proud to have in its collection since its doors opened in 1997, such as the Fonthill Vase, The Mosque Lamp and many other treasures.

There will be a Social Media competition in which visitors are asked to take a selfie with their favourite object from the collection. Share your selfie using the hashtag #NMICB20TH and be in with a chance to win an exclusive prize which includes lunch, a private tour and a museum shop voucher. The most creative selfie will be picked so get your camera or phone ready.

The trail will be available to all, free of charge until the end of the year, so come along and explore at your own leisure. It is the perfect time to discover the wide range of artefacts available at the museum.

Families can also stop at the Activity Area and draw a birthday card for the NMI. www.museum.ie SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Theatre Mermaid Arts Centre

Nora presented by The Corn Exchange

The Abbey Theatre Katie Roche

Katie Roche is a great woman. She is destined for big things and is determined to overcome any obstacle she meets. After marrying a respected man, Katie believes her ambitions will be realised. However, her journey will not be a smooth one. Will her determined spirit save her? Or has her fate already been decided?

26 August - 23 September Tel: 01 8872200 or visit www.abbeytheatre.ie

It’s 2025. A dangerous world for those who can’t afford to protect themselves. This house keeps safe a marriage, a partnership, a life of success and ease, a priceless collection and a daughter who has lacked for nothing. Things seem perfect as a power couple prepares for a glitzy party among the art-world elite. But when the secret upon which this life is built threatens to push through the polished surface, questions about what is real and what is not can no longer be ignored.

21 - 23 September Tel: 01 2724043 or visit www. mermaidartscentre.ie Also in the Mermaid Arts Centre this month; Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny (1 September), Route 66 Big Band Live in Concert (2 September), Colossal (4 September), Mermaid Dance Platform (7 September), Wicklow Film Festival (8 - 10 September), From the Land of the Moon (11 September), Sanctuary (12 September), Ergodos - There is an Island (15 September), Simon Yates: My Mountain Life (15 September), Soldier Still - Junk Ensemble (16 September), A Man Called Ove (18 September), Culture Night (22 September), Churchill (25 September), Grace and Elegance: Maria Callas (1923 - 77) 40th Anniversary (29 September) and The Nualas - All Spanxed Up! (30 September).

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Hairspray

It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her newfound fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

11 - 16 September Tel: 01 6777999 or visit www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie Also at Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month; Sister Act (29 August - 3 September), Allianz Business to Arts Awards 2017 (4 September), Pet Shop Boys (5 September), Tori Amos (7 September), RAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue (8 - 10 September), Crazy for You (19 - 23 September), We’ve Only Just Begun (24 September), LA LA Land On-Screen with Live Orchestra (28 September) and Brian Reed on Creating S-Town (30 September) 10

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The Gate Theatre The Great Gatsby

This immersive show invites the audience into the world of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel.

Expect music, cocktails and scandal as you follow the action around all areas of the Gate as you dance into one of Jay Gatsby’s legendary parties. 1920s dress is encouraged and dancing shoes are mandatory, with the seats of the auditorium removed to allow the audience to become part of this spectacular show.

6 July - 16 September Tel: 01 8744045 / 01 8746042 or visit www. gatetheatre.ie

The Gaiety Theatre A Murder Is Announced

The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, a group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer.

LCD Soundsystem (27 - 29 September) and Free Love (30 September).

Smock Alley Theatre Close to the Sun

Irishman Colin prepares for his wedding to Australian sweetheart, Sophie. But everything changes when his estranged brother arrives unannounced, bringing the demons of their shared past. This exciting new collaboration with award-winning writer Philip Doherty fuses music and movement, tragedy and drama to tell the stories of a lost generation.

12 - 17 September Also at Smock Alley this month; Nine (10 September), it’s getting harder and harder for me (10 - 17 September), Gladys and The Gutter Stars (10 - 17 September), Fierce Notions (11 - 17 September), From All Sides (12 - 17 September), Everything Now (13 - 17 September), FFFFFFFMilk (15 - 17 September), Saharcasm (15 - 17 September), How to be Angry (19 - 23 September), The Assassination of Pope Urban II (19 - 23 September), efficacy 84 (23 - 23 September), The Woods and Grandma (20 - 23 September), Papini (20 - 23 September), The Friday Night Effect (20 - 23 September), Monster LOLS: Stand Up Comedy for Kids (22 - 23 September), The Boys (25 September - 7 October) and Melt (28 September - 8 October).

Tel: 01 6770014 or visit www.smockalley.com

Theatre Royal Waterford

Rigor Mortis - Urbisantacta Manet

4 - 9 September Tel: 0818 719 388 or visit www.gaietytheatre.ie Also at The Gaiety this month; Riverdance (21 June - 3 September), The Spinning Heart (19 23 September) and The Suppliant Women (27 September - 1 October).

The Olympia Theatre Texas

Texas return to the Olympia for what promises to be two incredible shows, featuring new material from their album Jump On Board and songs from their extensive back catalogue.

7 - 8 September Tel: 01 679 3323 or visit www.olympia.ie Also at The Olympia this month; Flogging Molly (10 September), Ryan Adams (11 - 12 September), Off The Ball Roadshow (14 September), Machine Gun Kelly (21 September) Hermitage Green (22 September), A Night of Dirty Dancing (23 September),

Waterford, Ireland. Mourners arrive at The Holy Family church only to find the deceased missing.

Jimmy wakes up with some head on him, only to find a coffin in his sitting room and Ted knocking at the door.

What the f*ck is he after doing?

Following a sell out run in London, Pat Daly's black comedy of drink, drugs, friendship & mortality returns to Waterford in a brand new production. €15 PLAY and a PINT! Ticket price includes a drink.

14 - 16 August Tel 051 874402 or visit www.theatreroyal.ie

Newly refurbished Peploe’s New York style meets Parisienne charm on Dublin’s St Stephens Green

Pre Theatre Menu 12.30 – 6.15pm

16 St. Stephen’s Green

peploes.com

353 1 676 3144

The Gaiety Theatre

by Pat Liddy

Initiated by Grafton Street music shop owners, brothers John and Michael Gunn, and designed, with its lovely Venetian façade and operahouse interior, by Charles J. Phipps, an architect renowned for up to twelve notable London theatres, the Gaiety Theatre first opened on King Street South in 1871. Round-the-clock shifts ensured it was built in the unbelievable short period of 25 weeks.

With the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and a glamourous entourage in attendance, the opening night programme on 27 November featured a burlesque, La Belle Sauvage preceded by Irish playwright, Oliver Goldsmith’s, She Stoops to Conquer. Both shows were presented by the St James Theatre Company from London. From that point onwards the Gaiety, now Dublin’s longest established theatre in continuous production, would continue to reach ever new heights.

Its main rivals in Dublin at the time were the Royal, the Queens (both now demolished) and the Olympia Theatre (see July 2017 issue, Travel Ireland Magazine) but

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unlike those venues, the Gaiety had no resident company preferring instead to invite visiting artistes from home and abroad. Long known as the Grand Old Lady of South King Street, the theatre has presented an eclectic offering of drama, opera, dance, comedy, classical concerts, musicals, revues, children’s theatre, ballet and even late-night clubs for the younger set. Arguably, pantomime, or panto as we call it in Ireland, is the most popular annual fare on offer. The first pantomime was presented in December 1873 and since then generations of families have been

hugely entertained by favourites such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mother Goose, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Robinson Crusoe, Peter Pan and Red Riding Hood. This year’s offering is Rapunzel.

In 1875, the famous D’Oyly Carte Company introduced the first light opera to the Gaiety stage. For a mere 6 pennies for a gallery seat in 1913 you could attend George Bernard Shaw’s John Bull’s Other Island. For a more comfy seat in a balcony stall you would have forked out five shillings or ten times more than a patron in the gallery. During the Second World War, no visiting companies from abroad could travel to Ireland so the Dublin Grand Opera Society was formed in 1941 to put on a couple of operas each year. Operetta was regularly mounted by the much-loved Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society Several generations of Irish people will fondly remember actor/comedians Jimmy O’Dea (1899-1965) and Maureen Potter (1925-2004) who romped across the boards from the 1940s. In addition to a who’s who of Irish actors, singers,

playwrights, writers and musicians the theatre has also hosted a whole pantheon of internationally famous names. Down the years the opening curtains have revealed Julie Andrews, Spike Milligan, Joan Rivers, Peter Ustinov, Jack Benny, Sybil Thorndyke, Peter O’Toole and Michael Gambon, Music, wafting across the galleries, was provided by Joan Sutherland, Sir John Barbirolli, Jehudi Menuhin and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Outside the theatre and set into the pavement under the theatre canopy are the bronze handprints of such luminaries as Billy Connolly, Vanessa Redgrave, Edna O’Brien and Luciano Pavarotti.

Except for the demolition in 1955 of the ‘Gods’, an acutely steep gallery served by 86 dizziness-inducing steps, the horseshoeshaped auditorium is still very much as Phipps would have seen it. Victorian boxes and tiered circles are resplendent with their red and gold embellishments. A grand circular ceiling and chandeliers overlook the whole assembly. On one famous evening the Gaiety’s usual audience capacity swelled to 400 million when the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest was broadcasted to 29 countries. This was the first time for it to be held in Ireland. Monaco won that night.

In 1999, the new owners, music promoter Denis Desmond and his wife Caroline, took over. There followed a

number of major conservation and improvement projects which included the installation of air-conditioning and the Gaiety was the first theatre in Ireland to be equipped with this welcome improvement.

Other works included providing more legroom and comfort for patrons, dressing room upgrades; fire upgrades throughout the premises; roof works and refurbishment of front of house and bar areas. Finally there was a complete rebuild of the stage including enlargement of the orchestra pit and stage and installation of modern

scenery flying accommodation. This was €10 million (substantially including a large Government grant) well spent and ensures the future of the Gaiety Theatre by allowing very large scale Irish and international productions For September this year, the world famous Riverdance troupe perform until the 3rd.and they will be followed for 6 days by an Agatha Christie Miss Marple mystery A Murder is Announced. Then on 19 September for 4 days you can see The Spinning Heart, adapted from the contemporary novel of rural Ireland by Donal Ryan. From the 27th until 1 October, the Dublin Theatre Festival will present The Suppliant Women. A resonant story of fifty women fleeing North Africa for Europe, made even more extraordinary as it was written 2,500 years ago by the Greek playwright, Aeschylus. This proves that as everything changes nothing really changes. Such it is with the Gaiety. So many improvements have been made down the decades and yet what people really want is the appearance that nothing has really changed and that she is still the Grand Old Lady of South King Street.

The Gaiety may be contacted on 0818 719388 or info@gaietytheatre.com.

Website: www.gaietytheatre.ie

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dodublin.ie SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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updated at Gallery Zozimus A

n exciting new exhibition comes to Gallery Zozimus this month. UPDATED showcases the work of two ceramic artists, Mary Conroy and Kate O’Kelly, who came together during a residency program at Limerick School of Art and Design.The work adapts digital tools for ceramics process.

Prior to the residency, both artists completed a Digital Fabrication - Design and Manufacture course at the Limerick FabLab.This experience directly informed the research the artists undertook during their time working in the LSAD ceramics department.

The work differs both visually and conceptually as Mary and Kate began from different starting points, however, there is an overlap within the making process that brings these two artists together. Both use digital fabrication processes as a tool in the production of ceramic work.

These are used alongside traditional techniques such as mold making and slip casting to produce unique and contemporary ceramic objects.

“Hands on making skills are still invaluable to us as artists, but we are curious about these new tools and are exploring their uses and influences as an aid in design and production process,” said Mary Conroy.

“A comprehensive understanding of clay as a material combined with traditional skills are essential in producing this work”.

Kate O’Kelly says that the use of these digital tools has allowed her to approach her art in new and interesting ways.

“Fundamental to my practice is exploration of form through casting techniques,” she said.

“I am continuously looking for ways to realise and produce unique shapes that display the fluidity of the making process. Digital tools and programs have allowed me to

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2017

generate a new way of making using the industrial technique of extruding, combined with precision laser cut dies and slip casting. Winding, sinuous columns sweep through the dies, before being sliced at varying angles.

Sections of these columns are then used as models to produce slip cast vessels.The Cloud Collection series, captures the motion and fluidity of the material during the making process. As a collection they individually display contrast and form.”

This fascinating exhibition by two incredible artists runs for most of this month, opening on 7 September and running until 30 September. http://galleryzozimus.ie/

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

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

Celtic Lodge Guesthouse

In the Heart of Dublin City Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.thecelt.ie

The Celt Bar 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

Recommended Shopping Powerscourt Centre

Located in Dublin’s Creative Quarter on the bustling South William Street is the Powerscourt Centre. Housed in a stunning Georgian townhouse, the Powerscourt Centre has over 40 shops and restaurants and offers shoppers a wonderful city centre shopping experience.

The centre offers a range of fashion stores, such as All Saints, French Connection and Mary Grant and if antiques are your thing then the Powerscourt Centre is the place to go. There are a number of antique stores in the centre, including Courtville Antiques, Delphi Antiques, Lilly Fine Art, The Silver Shop and Monte Cristo. If you’re planning a wedding in the near future, the Centre also offers a number of superb wedding outlets www.powerscourtcentre.ie

Mourne Antiques

Mourne Antiques have been operating in the thriving town of Letterkenny for 25 years.

They offer a range of beautiful antiques, such as ceramics, silver, furniture and collectables, all with their own particular history and charm.

You could find anything from a rare book to a mink coat!

They specialise in a wide range of jewellery.

From Victorian gold and precious stone pieces to Contemporary diamond and Engagement rings to 1940’s costume jewellery, their stock is sure to please.

38 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 074 9126457 www.mourneantiques.com

Tights Department

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre Located at the top of Grafton Street, in the heart of Dublin city centre, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre hosts a wide variety of top retailers.

Household names such as Dunnes Stores, Argos, Boots, Eason, United Colors of Benetton, Mothercare, Elverys, Golden Discs and TK Maxx can be found here. When you’re finished shopping, you can relax in one of the many lovely cafes, head for a pint in one of the many nearby pubs, or take a stroll across the road in St Stephen’s Green. www.stephensgreen.com

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 16

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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

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

Dundrum Town Centre

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

Irish Linen House

www.dundrum.ie

Amelia’s is home to a selection of beautiful gallery pieces that are perfect for the home or a present for someone special. They stock a range of art and studio ceramics lovingly handcrafted by makers from all over the country, specialising in local makers from the North-West of Ireland.

There are little gifts and keepsakes for the everyday too! All pieces are handpicked by owner Frances Spears. She has over 20 years experience in the design and antiques business so you know you’re in good hands when you pay a visit to Amelia’s Irish Design.

29 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny Co. Donegal 087 2434060 www.amelias.ie

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 €485, as well as a range of leather bags, Waterford Crystal, Orla Kiely, Aideen Bodkin, satchels and accessories.

Nicholas Mosse and Stephen Pearce.

6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 6777066 www.kilkennyshop.com

This huge shopping outlet on the southside of Dublin is only minutes from the city centre and is easily accessible by car, bus or Luas. It’s certainly worth the journey because Dundrum has it all.

Top names such as Boss, House of Fraser, River Island, Tommy Hilfiger and BT2 can all be found there. In fact, you could spend the whole day there, with great shopping, a cinema and a host of great restaurants to choose from. There is plenty of parking, WIFI available throughout the centre and they even have phone charging outlets. All of this combines to offer the ultimate shopping experience.

Amelia’s Irish Design

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

46 South William Street, Dublin 2 01 6088608 www.franciscampelli.com

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 SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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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

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

Viking Splash Tours Join Viking Splash Tours on a thrilling tour around the main sights of Dublin City - by land and water. Let the Vikings show you the sites and scenes of the capital city from a World War II amphibious vehicle – all whilst their Viking guides deliver an informative, entertaining and engaging commentary, ensuring all are captivated on this thrilling tour. www.vikingsplash.com

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 18

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2017

Recommended Bars in Leinster

Dingle Whiskey Bar

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 É

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

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definitely the place to be. ĆĞnj ĎĒĊ ĊĚē ċėĔĒ ͕͖ ēĔĔē

the celt

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 Fionnån O’Connor. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the brown stuff and enjoy some delicious whiskey. Tickets available at the bar for ₏18.

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

strolling14 into-15 theOrmond celt is likeQuay taking a trip to the west, play boys and chailĂ­nĂ­ payfor attention and& dance along the way to the early light Tel: 01 555 4036 01 555 4037

www.sin-e.ie

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The Brazen Head

Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is officially Ireland’s oldest pub. The many pictures and scrolls that adorn the walls will transport you back to a time when the famous old pub was frequented by the likes of James Joyce, Brendan Behan and Michael Collins. You might even spot a famous contemporary face or two in there enjoying the great food and drink or live music and storytelling that the pub is famous for.

Street 66

Street 66 is a new bar/venue, tucked away in the heart of trendy South Dublin on Parliament Street, just two minutes walk from Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. A great place for lovers of disco, funk and soul, and reggae with a wide selection of Gins, Irish Whiskeys, cocktails and craft beer. This dog friendly bar is designed for the global citizen who loves great drinks and great music.

33 - 34 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 01 6793369 www.street66.bar

20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin 8 01 6779549 / 01 6795186 www.brazenhead.com

The Celt Davy Byrne’s

This famous old pub is steeped in history and has strong literary connections. The pub is famously mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses and Joyce was a regular patron when he lived in Dublin. Davy Byrne’s literary connections would continue down through the years with the likes of James Stephens, Liam O’Flaherty, Padraig O’Conaire and in later times Myles na gCopaleen, Patrick Kavanagh, Anthony Cronin and Brendan Behan all frequenting the pub. In more recent times, Davy Byrne’s has become renowned for their quality pub-food, with seafood being a speciality.

21 Duke Street, Dublin 2 01 6775217

Situated on Talbot Street in the heart of Dublin, The Celt Bar is always thronged with locals and visitors thanks to the authentic Irish experience that is on offer there. Visitors can sample the finest Irish whiskeys, beers, ales and stouts and enjoy live traditional music seven nights a week.

The Celt also offer traditional Irish food seven days a week. The classic bar menu includes beer battered haddock and traditional beef and Guinness stew. There’s no better place to go to for the full Irish experience than The Celt Bar. 81 Talbot St, Dublin Tel: 01 878 8655 www.thecelt.ie

Grogan’s

This is the regular hang-out for Dublin’s finest writers and painters, or the great unwashed, and the walls inside are decked out with paintings and drawings which can, for a small sum, be purchased.

Improbably, it is also part of one of the most fashionable mini crossroads in the city centre. And at weekends, the place is humming.

15 S William St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01 677 9320 SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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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

Le Bon Crubeen

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

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

Restaurant FortyOne

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

Café Topolis

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

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

Mexico to Rome

Zaytoon

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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 - SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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LONGINES IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND Get ready for a great weekend of racing as the Longines Irish Champions Weekend returns to Leopardstown and The Curragh, Ireland’s two premier racecourses, on Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 September respectively.

Now in its fourth year, Longines Irish Champions Weekend has firmly established itself on the international racing calendar as a place where the best in the world come to meet for racing, style and entertainment.

Rivalling world-class counterparts such as Royal Ascot, France’s Prix de l’Arc, the Breeders’ Cup and the Hong Kong International Races, Ireland’s most prestigious Flat-racing weekend attracts the world’s finest racehorses and jockeys, with Japanese entry Kitasan Black among the names already entered for this year’s high stakes competition, with prize money valued at €4.6million.

Over one weekend, at Ireland’s two internationally renowned racecourses, the best horses, trainers and jockeys in the world will compete for a stake of the hotly contested €4.6million.

Not only is Longines Irish Champions Weekend best-in-class when it comes to racing, the weekend champions the best in style with the coveted Longines Prize for Elegance. Fashion enthusiasts are invited to showcase their style credentials to be in with a chance of winning some of the €25,000 in luxury prizes on offer across both days.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2017

Prestigious prizes, including shopping experiences from Ireland’s elite fashion houses, Louise Kennedy, Louis Copeland and Kildare Village, as well as a luxury stay at Dublin’s best address,The Merrion, will be awarded to the most elegant female and male race-goer at Leopardstown and The Curragh.

Title sponsor, Longines will also gift the winners each day with an elegant time piece from their latest collection.To pre-register simply log on to www.irishchampionsweekend.ie/longinesprize-for-elegance/ Racing fans and social racegoers will once again have the chance to experience two of the most thrilling racing fixtures of the year with the QIPCO Irish Champions Stakes on Saturday, 9 September at Leopardstown and The Comer Group International Irish St. Leger on Sunday, 10 September at The Curragh, promising an exhilarating and exciting climax to each day.

Join the best in the world this September at this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend.Tickets are available to purchase now from the Irish Champions Weekend website: http://irishchampionsweekend.ie/ICW/Tickets/

DUBLIN

GHOSTBUS TOUR

Discover the darker side of Dublin on the DoDublin Ghostbus Tour.This twohour bus tour takes visitors around the city’s most haunted spots. As you cruise around the streets, you will hear about ghostly legends, body snatching and spine-chilling mysteries from your entertaining guide. Get acquainted with the sites of ghostly apparitions and the frightening stories associated with them.Take a stroll around the eerie St. James Graveyard and descend into the depths of the medieval crypt at Christ Church Cathedral.

Highlights of the tour include; the unearthing Dr. Clossey’s gruesome past, the discovery of Dracula’s Dublin origins, a visit to the crypt at Dublin Castle, ghost tales from forgotten urban graveyards and a chance to see top highlights such as Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green and passes by the Shelbourne Hotel where a certain room in the hotel is reported to be haunted by the ghost of a mischievous girl.The tour also includes a free Dublin Highlights Walking Tour by Pat Liddy Step inside the world’s first and original Ghostbus and be transported into a world of ghostly happenings, comedy horror, and terrifying histories.The Ghostbus will drive you into your nightmares, taking in some of Dublin’s most haunting sights along the way.

Visit the Hellfire Clubroom and haunted museum

downstairs, and play a hand of cards with the devil himself. Next take your seat upstairs in the Victorian Theatre with its blood red velvet curtains and begin a thrilling ride tracing Dublin’s creepiest mysteries.You will be led through this ordeal by a sinister guide and driver, two men in tune with

the afterlife, who will do their best to put you at your unease.

Did you know that Dublin was home to one of horror fiction’s most famous names: Dracula author, Bram Stoker? Your creepy host will give you an unnerving insight into his origins as the tour creeps through Dublin’s darkened streets. At the College of Surgeons, a certain Dr. Clossey is still said to roam the corridors carrying a bucket of human entrails.

Having heard some twisted tales aboard the Ghostbus, get ready for a lesson in grave robbing and body-snatching in the grisly surroundings of the haunted graveyard. Don’t be surprised if the supernatural occurs as you delve inside the creepy Dublin Castle crypt to scenes of medieval torture. Designed to spook your imagination, the spine-tingling, nerveracking Dublin Bus Ghostbus Tour will be a journey of hair-raising frights you will never forget.

The Dublin Ghostbus Tour operates Monday – Thursday at 8pm, and Friday and Saturday at 8pm and 9pm.Tour times are subject to change. Extra departure times will be added subject to demand.Tickets cost €28. www.dodublin.ie

SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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

Cork at night

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

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

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

Reginald’s Tower

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

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

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

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 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’

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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h b o C Situated on the shores of the second largest natural harbour in the world, the tourist town of Cobh is only 25 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.

Part of the beauty about visiting Cobh is the fact that it is breath-taking during the summer months and magical during the winter months. As the long evenings draw to a close and the weather gets more unpredictable, Cobh has a great choice of indoor attractions so that clouds can’t dampen your spirits. Attractions such as

Cobh Heritage Centre, Titanic Experience Cobh and Escapade Cobh along with Coral Leisure Centre allow for year round tourism in a dry and warm environment.

Nestled under the magnificent St. Colman’s Cathedral with its 49 bell carillon and stunning architecture, Cobh looks out onto Spike Island. Accessed via ferry from Cobh, Spike Island has a long and interesting history with some great stories to be told during guided tours around the island, fort, prison and newly constructed visitor centre.

Just five minutes from Fota Island which contains Fota House & Gardens, Fota Wildlife Park and Fota Island Resort, Cobh and its surroundings will keep you busy all year round.

With three hotels all boasting uninterrupted sea views, plenty of homely B&Bs and even a waterfront campervan park, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from to cater for all needs and party sizes. Be you a lone traveller, an exploring couple, a fun loving family or an adventure seeking group there is accommodation and activities to suit your every need all year round.

A myriad of festivals and events complement the views,

scenery, attractions and activities that Cobh has to offer each year. Cobh and Cork Harbour play host to the Cobh International Sea Angling Festival in September the return of the Cobh Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival for the 11th year running. 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.

In October Ghoulsley’s Manor returns to Cuskinny Court with Grymm Tales.

This immersive and interactive Halloween experience for families allows you to meet the unusual occupants of the haunted Manor in this hilariously ghoulish experience.

In December Cuskinny Court transforms again into The Cork Outpost for the North Pole once again. The Cork North Pole Outpost Experience is a fun and imaginative theatrical production bringing to life the real values of a Cork good ol’ fashioned Christmas.

Cobh will once again be full of activity this autumn and winter with magical activities being complemented by indoor attraction making Cobh the perfect spot for your next getaway, whatever the time of the year. www.visitcobh.com

Part of the beauty about visiting Cobh is the fact that it is breath-taking during the summer months and magical during the winter months

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2017

Roaring Donkey, The Well House, Rob Roy Bar, The Mauretania, Ryans Bar, Tarrants Bar, Kellys Bar, O’Sheas Bar (Commodore Hotel), The Quays, Bellavista Hotel Bar Sat 23rd @ The Promenade, 3pm-5pm COBH BLUES CLUB & GUESTS (In assocational with Cobh Tourism)

Cobh Guinness Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival Every year in September, the beautiful tourist town of Cobh in County Cork hosts a gathering of International, National and Local Blues musicians for the annual Guinness Cobh Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival to bring Blues alive in Cobh for the weekend. With concerts and performances both outdoor and indoor, including many of the town’s venues, pubs and hotels, Cobh Guinness Blues Festival was founded by publican Paul O'Halloran in September 2007. Now in its 11th year, Cobh Blues Festival has this year broadened the musical genre to include the all-encompassing “Roots” and takes place on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of September. Each year it has grown from strength to strength and this year will be no different.

The festival is sponsored by Diageo with the support of Cobh Tourism as well as local businesses. The event will provide over a hundred hours of free music with over 20 acts performing in 11 indoor and outdoor venues around the seaside town. Venues include local pubs, clubs and hotels as well as the bandstand in the Promenade situated on the waterfront making for the perfect setting for some open air electric and acoustic blues. On Saturday the 23rd September at 2:30pm there will be a family fun afternoon in the Promenade with the Cobh Blues Club providing the music along with some invited guests.

The festival was originally designed to bring some life into the town at a traditionally quieter time of the year but has grown in popularity so much that it is now one of the town’s musical highlights and brings in returning groups of visi28

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2017

tors and performers each year to experience some top quality music. Anyone with an interest in blues music should not miss out on this great weekend of fun. All are invited to attend the free concerts and local Hotels and B&B’s would be delighted to put you up for a night or the full weekend so you can enjoy the music without the hassle of getting home afterwards.

The Festival begins on Friday with gigs taking place right across the town. Over the course of the weekend the times of these vary from day and night to cater for all age groups and this year sees the return of the very popular midnight blues sessions on Friday and Saturday night in The Bellavista Hotel where the Saturday night performance begins at 11:30pm and there is also a great gig lined up for the Friday night.

Other performances over the weekend in-

clude Street Talk, Gerry Quigley & Shinkickers, Sugar Mountain and from the Perth Blues Club Gerard Maunick and Tina Simone. Local hero and “The Voice of Ireland” finalist, Jamie Stanton with his band Road Kill Revival will be making appearances across the weekend too and is sure to draw a large crowd as always.

The Cobh Blues Club will be the backbone of the festival with several performances from festival regulars Dr. Dec & The Side Effects, Karl & Sean Long and Paul Hannon and Freight Train to name but a few.

For more information on the Cobh Blues festival check out www.cobhbluesfestival.com and like the festival on Facebook (facebook.com/CobhBluesFestival) for updated information on all gigs across the weekend and watch out for announcements of new acts being added to the festival line up.

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 Distillery Midleton

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 30

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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

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) SEPTEMBER 2017 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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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 32

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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

Dingle Crystal F

rom humble beginnings, Dingle Crystal have established themselves on the world stage thanks to their commitment to producing mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal. In an era when many other brands have gone down the wholesale route, this family-run company still proudly produce unique, hand crafted pieces that can be found in the collections of the President of Ireland and Bono to name but two.

With every piece signed and dated, it’s not hard to see why Dingle Crystal’s work would be appealing to those visiting the country, looking for an exclusive souvenir of their trip to Ireland.

They also cater to those living abroad, shipping worldwide.

Their fantastic work in this field was recently recognised at the SME Awards 2016, where they won the award for Best Online Exporter.

If you do visit Dingle then a trip to the new Dingle Crystal Factory & Visitor Centre is a must. While there you can take a tour of their workshop where you will find company founder Sean Daly hard at work. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe a master craftsman and see how Dingle Crystal’s incredible designs are created. There aren’t many craftsmen left making pieces the way Sean and his sons do and the tour is fascinating and informative.

From bowls to glasses, candlesticks and vases, Dingle Crystal can create the perfect souvenir or gift that you won’t find anywhere else. They also offer beautiful whiskey glasses that have proved extremely popular all over the world. These glasses are the perfect match for Irish whiskey but make sure you get your order in early - these handmade glasses are in great

demand. It’s not hard to see why as they really are astounding creations that would stand out in anyone’s collection.

Visit their new Factory & Visitor Centre. They cater for groups of all sizes, with personal demonstrations with Master Craftsman Sean Daly and his sons. Please contact Adam on 0669151550 or email adam@dinglecrystal.ie to organise a tour.

Dingle Crystal Unit 4 Ballinaboola Industrial Estate Dingle Co. Kerry 066 9151550 info@dinglecrystal.ie www.dinglecrystal.ie

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Y A R B Literary Festival This year’s festival will begin on Culture night, Friday 22nd September in the Town Hall, Bray and will continue on Saturday/ Sunday 23rd and 24th with full days of readings, discussions, music, and writing workshops with the an eclectic mix of Ireland’s rising and established voices in poetry, fiction and memoir and music.

The festival will play host to writers at various stages of their career - from well-known writers to published writers who don’t get many opportunities to appear at festivals, to emerging and unpublished writers.

There will also be a range of writing workshops on offer, including poetry, fiction, drama, memoir and song-writing. All of the facilitators have vast experience in their field and will, as working writers, provide valuable insights and tips. Each workshop costs only €10 but make sure to book early as places are limited.

The festival is also be running poetry and flash fiction competitions, with €500 worth of prizes to be won. Breda Wall Ryan, author of the award winning In a Hare’s Eye will judge the poetry competition while Catherine Dunne, author of nine novels, including the award winning The Things We Know Now will judge the flash fiction competition.The winners of the competitions will be announced on the opening night in the Town Hall on Friday, 22 September, where duelling poets Breda Wall Ryan and Kate Dempsey will also perform, accompanied by harpist Rachel Duffy.

Saturday sees a whole host of diverse events throughout the day. David Butler will give a free talk at the Joyce House, while noted poets Nessa O’ Mahony, Geraldine Mitchell

A new literary festival comes to Wicklow this month. The Bray Literary Festival is a festival organised by writers for writers and for lovers of literature.

and Jane Clarke will discuss Poetry and Landscape. Up-and-coming poets Eamon McGuinness, Annemarie ní Churreáin and Paul Bregazzi will feature at the Poetry - Ones to Watch event at the Harbour Bar, which will also play host to short stories writers Tanya Farrelly, Martin Malone and Orfhlaith Foyle later in the day.To round off the day, the Royal Hotel will play host to readings from local writers’ groups Abraxis and Little Bray and feature the launch of Bray Arts Journal, followed

by Giant Open Mic with BeRn. Sunday kicks off with the Poetry Cafe in Finnbees Kitchen, featuring Anne Tannam, Noel Duffy and Stephanie Conn. Lady Killers features crime writers Arlene Hunt, Louise Phillips and Sam Blake while the Songwriters Round in the Harbour Bar features BeRn, Keith Burke, Mark Flynn and Rachael McCormick.The festival then closes at the Town Hall with Voices from the Edge, featuring Liz Quirke, Lisa Harding, Arnold Thomas Fanning and Liz McManus.

Bray Literary Festival is an exciting new event on the Irish literary landscape and offers visitors a fantastic choice of events from new and emerging writers. What’s more the beautiful coastal town of Bray is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend and stimulate your creativity. https://brayliteraryfestival.wordpress.com/

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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.

An Unmissable Experience!

Cobh, The Queenstown Story An informative and emotive story of Irish emigration.

Learn about Cobh’s connection with Titanic and the Lusitania.

Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Open 7 days 9.30 – 5.30 (Sundays 11am) Tel 353 (21) 4 813591 Find Cobh the Queenstown Story on Facebook 237664_Cobh Heritage_AC_SCIT.indd 1

The Irish

Manuscripts Commission

T

Email: info@cobhheritage.com Web: www.cobhheritage.com 01/12/2015 14:08

The Irish Manuscripts Commission (IMC) is approaching its 89th birthday. Founded as a public body in October 1928, IMC has sought to overcome the massive loss to the study of Ireland’s documentary record caused by the destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland in the Four Courts in Dublin in 1922 by preserving in print, and latterly online, manuscript sources for Irish history and culture.

IMC’s remit is based on the principles of dissemination, preservation and promotion of original source materials, in public and private ownership.

Since 1930 the Commission has established a proud record of publication and it is recognised nationally and internationally as a publisher of primary sources prepared to the highest standard.

To date IMC has published over 200 volumes, mainly editions of original manuscripts, but including calendars and also facsimiles of early Irish codices. Its serial publication, Analecta Hibernica, is devoted to the publication of shorter manuscript sources and the 48th issue is about to go to press. Recent IMC publications include an edition of a previously unpublished manuscript of late eighteenth-century poetry by a rural Ulster female poet and a calendar of the state papers relating to Ireland from the reign of Henry VIII. As part of the decade of centenaries, in 2016 IMC published the memoir of Eoin MacNeill, founder of the Irish Volunteers in 1913, sometime politician and academic, and the first Chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission. Analecta Hibernica No. 47 (also published in 2016) was a thematic issue containing shorter never-before published primary documents relating to 1916 and its aftermath.

All out of print IMC publications are made available through the Digital Editions section of the IMC website (www.irishmanuscripts.ie). These are available for free to search online from anywhere in the world.

IMC continues to promote awareness of primary sources for history among the general public through events such as Culture Night and its biennial Eoin MacNeill Lecture, but also through its website and print advertising as well as social media.

The contact details for the Irish Manuscript Commission are available online at www.irishmanuscripts.ie.

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The Cork Folk Festival The Cork Folk Festival returns once again, with an exciting programme of concerts, acoustic sessions, workshops, children’s events and more coming to Cork city from Thursday 28 September to Sunday 1 October.

The first Cork Folk Festival was held 38 years ago over the weekend of 13th-16th September in 1979. The festival was modelled on the Lisdoonvarna and Ballyshannon Folk Festivals, which included the best of Irish traditional musicians playing alongside musicians who play bluegrass, old timey and singer-songwriters. The festival’s aim was to celebrate the musicians and music of Cork and to bring some of Ireland’s finest musicians to the city. It’s a tradition that continues to this very day, with a stellar line-up set to grace the festival this year, with 36 programme events taking place over the four days of the festival and happening right across the city, in concert halls, on the street and in more intimate venues - with many of the shows being offered for free.

The festival kicks off with a very special show on Thursday 28 September at Triskel Christchurch when the legendary Andy Irvine performs accompanied by vocalists Tríona and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill. Andy has travelled the world as a solo artist and as a member of Irish groups such as Planxty and Patrick Street and more recently Mozaik. Sisters Maighread and Tríona belong to a renowned singing family from the Donegal Gaeltacht. The sound of their solo and combined voices is indescribable and unforgettable.

Another legend performing at the festival is Cork resident and 1960s icon Donovan. He will play at Everyman Palace on Friday 29 September. Audiences can expect to hear a string of international hits, such as "Catch the Wind", "Colours", "Universal Soldier", "Mellow Yellow" "Hurdy Gurdy Man" and "Atlantis".

On Saturday 30 September at CIT Cork School of Music, a host of musicians will perform for a very special tribute concert in honour of the fiddle player Seamus Creagh. Na Mooneys, Mairéad and Anna Ní Mhaonaigh, Gearóid and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Nia Byrne and Manus Lunny, Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly and many more will pay tribute to the iconic musician.

Electric violin player Joe O’Donnell’s Shkayla 38

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comes to Cyprus Avenue on Sunday 1 October. Alongside Joe will be the outstanding instrumentalists Si Hayden (guitar, vocals), Martin Barter (keyboards, vocals), Adrian Litvinoff (bass) and Karen Milne (drums).

The Cork Folk Festival is not just four days of immersion in the finest of traditional Irish music; on Saturday 30 September at CIT Cork School of Music, students of traditional music can avail of the opportunity to take part in Masterclasses given by the best in the field, including Steve Cooney (Guitar), Mary MacNamara (concertina), and Sliabh Luachra Polka & Slide Workshop with Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly.

Visitors can sample everything from the very best fiddle, accordion, pipes and flute

players in Ireland and then come out on the streets of Cork City to enjoy the now popular Food N’ Folk Market with folk trio, Granny’s Attic.

If you love traditional music or don’t know much about it, there’s something for all at the Cork Folk Festival, where fans can rekindle their love for the music and novices will become fans for life.

Tickets: tickets.ie / proc.ie or through Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett St., Cork.

Weekend Ticket €85 now available from tickets.ie More details www.corkfolkfestival.com email infocorkfolk@gmail.com

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.

Monroe's

17 Cross st, Galway Tel: 091 568 820

The Quays

This famous venue in the heart of Galway city is renowned as one of the best live music venues in the city. Across two stages, they host regular National & International acts. The friendly staff will assure you of a warm welcome and they serve great food in the Tavern along with free live music seven days a week.

Dominick Street, Galway 091 583397 www.monroes.ie 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!

11 Quay St, Galway Tel: 091 568 347

Roísín Dubh

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!

Lower Dominick St., Galway Tel: 091 586 540 40

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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.

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

Matt Malloy’s 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.

Bridge St., Westport Tel: 098 26655

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

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

Rockwood Parade, Sligo Town Tel: 071 914 5823

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

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

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 666 1255

Enniscrone, County Sligo Tel: 096 37120

The Yew Tree Restaurant

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Explore Connaught

Westport House

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

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www.WestportHouse.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.

Westport House is one of the finest country houses in Ireland and since it opened to the public in the 1960s, over four million visitors have passed through its doors.

There are over 30 rooms on show, where visitors can immerse themselves in over 500 years of history, going back to the time when the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley ruled the estate. There is loads for the whole family to enjoy on the estate, including the Pirate Adventure Park, the Birds of Prey Centre and the Westport Train Tour.

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.

Gallery Zozimus

56 Francis Street, Dublin 8, PH : 4539057

Breakfast light – Mark O’Neill

Van Gough – Brigit Beemster

Santa Maria.

Ceramic – Philip Brett

Wall Divas..Ceramic – Ivan Panov

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

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

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

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 Dublin’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.

FRENCH COURSES AUTUMN TERM

25 SEPTEMBER - 20 NOVEMBER

FOR ADULTS, TEENAGERS CHILDREN AND TODDLERS OPEN DAY SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 / www.alliance-francaise.ie

FROM 11AM TO 5PM ADMISSION FREE

Recommended Restaurants in Ulster Ox

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

Chic, smart and very good.

The Ginger Bistro

Coco

1 Oxford St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 4121

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

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

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

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

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

Deane’s Restaurant

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

Shu

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

253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9038 1655

Vanilla Restaurant

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

Telfords Restaurant

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

67 Main St, Newcastle Tel: 0044 28 4372 2268

Lough Erne Resort

5 Donegall Quay, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 4000

Sun Kee Restaurant

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

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

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

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Sakura

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

82 Botanic Av, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 9590

Speranza Restaurant

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

Lusty Beg

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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.

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Hard Working Class Heroes There’s no better place to discover new Irish talent than at Hard Working Class Heroes which returns to Dublin from 28 to 30 September.Taking place in venues across the city, the festival showcases emerging Irish acts and this year 50 artists will take to Dublin’s stages and serve up a feast of incredible music.

N

ow in its fifteenth year, the festival has showcased many of Ireland’s best-known acts including Hare Squead, Saint Sister, this year’s Choice Music Prize winners Rusangano Family, 2013's breakthrough act Hozier along with Girl Band, Delorentos,Villagers, Soak, Fight Like Apes, Jape, Coronas, Pleasure Beach, Le Galaxie,The Strypes, Otherkin and many more.

Almost 500 bands applied to play at this year’s festival, with organisers First Music Contact whittling down the entrants to the 50 superb acts who will take to the stages of venues including The Workman’s Club,The Grand Social, Tramline,The Underground and The Tara Building on 29 and 30 September.These acts include highly rated artists such as Daithi, Fontaines, Loah and Le Boom.

The festival opens on Thursday, 28 September in The Chocolate Factory with a targeted networking social event where all the international delegates will have the chance to meet with their Irish counterparts. International delegates this year include Rough Trade boss Geoff Travis, PIXIES Manager Richard Jones, Made In Chelsea music-supervisor

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Andrea Madden, Stereogum featureswriter Ryan Leas and many more.

The weekend will also see a mixture of workshops, discussions and panels which are growing in importance year on year for artists across all levels to meet with people one-to-one who can make a difference. Journalist Jim Carroll will, once again, host the discussions.

Hard Working Class Heroes is hugely important to emerging artists but it is also a great way for visitors to the city to get a first glimpse at the musical stars of the future.The Irish music scene has never been more diverse or exciting and with weekend tickets costing just €55 including the conference or €35 for access to all of the live shows, music lovers can’t afford to miss Hard Working Class Heroes.

FULL TICKETING INFORMATION: Weekend & Live: €55 Weekend Live: €35 Conference: €25 Nightly (Friday/Saturday): €25 Single Venue: €12 www.hwch.net

BELFAST

HIDDEN TOURS

T

ourism is finding its feet well and truly in Belfast over the past two decades. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Agreement, there’s a sea of change and positivity in the historic and unique city of Belfast.

Belfast Hidden Tours is at the front in promoting and showcasing the brilliant history and culture our city has to offer. Our walking tours delve into the hidden history of Belfast and visit interesting artists, historians and trades people that add to the experience.

From the formation of the United Irishmen to the anti-slavery movement there is a lot for the city to be proud of.

No visit to Belfast should miss a trip to one of our lively pubs.

With their live show ‘The Belfast Story’, Belfast Hidden Tours use local Irish dancers, musicians and narrators to tell the story of Belfast through song, poems, dancing and storytelling in some of the city’s favourite pubs.

Belfast Hidden Tours pride themselves in giving a balanced and positive impression of Belfast to their visitors.They are putting together a Peace Walls tour this summer with local photographer Frankie Quinn that will give visitors a great overview of the Peace Walls. www.belfasthiddentours.com

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Great Irish Writers SEAN O’CASEY

I

t seems fitting as we approach the centenary of the Easter Rising to take a look at a Great Irish Writer whose greatest works were set during that period - Sean O’Casey. His three plays, The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock and the Plough and the Stars are regarded as classics and two of them were set around the time of the 1916 Rising, while the other was set in the aftermath of the Irish Civil War of 1922. All three plays focussed on the lives of ordinary working class people in Dublin and they echoed O’Casey’s socialist views.

O’Casey was born on the northside of Dublin in March 1880. His father, Michael, died when Sean was six years old and the family of thirteen lived a transient life thereafter, moving from house to house around Dublin city centre.

He left school at fourteen with very little education but eventually taught himself to read and write and became involved in the Irish nationalist movement and the Irish Transport and General Workers Union.

He also joined the Irish Citizen Army and participated in the Dublin Lockout of 1913 but resigned from the Citizen Army in 1914 and so did not participate in the 1916 Rising.

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However, in the aftermath of the Rising, his friend Thomas Ashe died on hunger strike in 1917 and this inspired O’Casey to write, initially writing two laments and one verse for his friend.

He submitted a number of plays to the Abbey Theatre before The Shadow of a Gunman was finally accepted and staged in 1923. The play was a success’ with Juno and the Paycock being staged in 1924 and The Plough and the Stars following in 1926 to much controversy. Partly in protest at the depictions of sex and violence and partly because the play was seen as an attack on the men of the Rising, a full scale riot erupted on the fourth night of the show. However the play was still a financial success and after this, O’Casey became a full time writer.

In 1926 he travelled to England to accept the Hawthornden Prize. While there he met and fell in love with Eileen Carey and they were married in 1927. He remained in England for the rest of his life and while his later work is perhaps not as celebrated as his earlier plays, he did produce an acclaimed six volume autobiography, collectively entitled Mirror in my House.