19 minute read
SUMMER STAYCATIONS
STAYCATIONS
M ichael Quinn M D Quinn Hair and Beauty
We normally go abroad on holidays and one of my favourite destinations is Bulgaria. This year, like last, we stayed closer to home. As my wife is from Galway, we decided to go there and stay with her family for a few days in August. We normally stop half way from Newry to Galway for a coff ee and this year, by accident, stopped in ilbeggan, ounty West eath. I had always wanted to visit ilbeggan istilling ompany as we live close to their sister site in ooley istillery. Founded in , it is the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland. The distillery spent the next years making a whiskey loved by the world over. It was closed from to when it reopened and has continued distilling once again.
It includes a visitor centre where you can have an Irish coff ee or coff ee, taste the whiskey, or do a tour to see how the whiskey is made and you can purchase their single or double malts. I wouldn’t be a big whiskey drinker but I have to say the Irish coff ee was one of the best I have tasted and purchased a gift set with glasses.
In Galway, there is so much to do. We would regularly visit onnemara along the Wild Atlantic Way, but this time we decided to visit the Aran Islands and also pop into the city where I love the buzz and going for a few Guinness in McSwiggans or Blakes (two favourites).
The weather was beautiful and we did a day trip from Galway docks area. You can get the ferry there to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. The Island itself is beautiful with one half fl at and the other more rugged. ou can hire bicycles for the day and cycle around the Island to see the spectacular views. There are beautiful beaches for a dip and the un ochla Fort is a must see. There are restaurants and a pub where we had a nice lunch and explored the Aran sweater shop off ers.
On the return ferry trip you go via The liff s of oher, one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland and best seen by boat. We were treated to an unexpected highlight seeing dolphins and pygme whales. y only regret is not staying a night, as there is glamping facilities on the island.
A very enjoyable trip for those looking for a short relaxing break. Galway off ers a great location to explore the many attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Michael Quinn and his wife Bridget at the distillery.
Councillor Cheryl Brownlee, Chair of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s NI Centenary Working Group with Deputy Mayor and working group member, Councillor Matthew Armstrong at the Looking Back to Look Forward exhibition.
Throughout 2021, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is hosting a programme of events to celebrate 100 years since the formation of Northern Ireland. These events, exhibitions and community initiatives are all aimed at showcasing and championing the borough’s culture, heritage, education, history, and future prosperity. As part of this, a free exhibition exploring life across the decades in the Mid and East Antrim area is currently on tour.
See the exhibition at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre until 15th October, and at Mid-Antrim Museum in Ballymena from 22nd October to 29th January.
Exhibition
22 October 2021 - 29 January 2022
Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena
Looking Back to Look Forward: Mid and East Antrim 1921 - 2021 is a Northern Ireland Centenary project by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
This exhibition explores how over the past 100 years, identities have been forged and communal memories created in the Mid and East Antrim area.
Admission is free E: braidmuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
#NI100MEA
DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT AUTUMN DESTINATION
For information on exploring County Cavan, visit www.thisiscavan.ie, email fun@thisiscavan.ie, call us on 049 4378543 or follow This is Cavan! on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Or drop into the Tourist Information Office in the Johnston Library building, Farnham Street, Cavan.
THIS IS ADVENTURE, THIS IS LUXURY, THIS IS DISCOVERY, THIS IS CAVAN
Located less than two hours from Belfast, County Cavan is the perfect base from which to explore the historic landmarks of Ireland’s Ancient East and the beguiling landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Cavan is a place where life moves at a more relaxed pace. This, along with its exhilarating beauty makes it a walker’s paradise. Cavan has four beautiful forest parks with numerous walking, cycling and nature trails through ethereal woods and lake-dotted landscapes.
Discover adventure around every corner with kayaking, boat tours and hydro biking to keep you occupied on the water. Mesmerising in its beauty and isolation, Clough Oughter Castle stands like a silent sentinel on an island in the centre of a vast and charming Erne waterway.
Pay a visit to Bear Essentials Visitor Centre where teddy bear craft workshops await. Perfect for kids and adults, it also houses a large collection of hand-made bears which are just adorable. If history is your thing, the WW1 Trench Experience at Cavan Museum is a mustsee. Cavan is an enticing, mysterious, historic and scenic county - one that must be explored and where you’re sure to receive a warm and friendly welcome.
A DAY AT THE RACES
We get the low down on the upcoming race events at Down Royal.
The Ladbrokes Festival of Racing will be taking place at the end of the month, what can visitors expect from this event?
With the much loved Ladbrokes Festival of Racing returning we are looking forward to welcoming a bigger crowd once again along with what promises to be a top weekend of racing. The event has attracted a wealth of talent to Down Royal Racecourse over the years including AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Sean Flanagan. Following what has been a challenging year, we have been working hard behind the scenes to develop and implement stringent measures to ensure everyone’s health and safety. We are thrilled to be able to welcome back owners, members and racing fans!
Will there be a Best Dressed Competition, and if so what is the prize for the winner?
We are delighted to announce the return of the Best Dressed Competition as the festival welcomes back Ladies Day. The highlight of the year for racing aficionados, socialites and fashionistas alike. Taking place on Saturday 30th October – the first time in two years – frocks, fascinators, heels and hats will be the order of the day. This year, the event is sponsored by Dr Emma Clinics, Ireland’s premier facial aesthetics practitioners. Open to all female racegoers, the winner will take home an amazing Dr Emma Clinics ‘Ultimate Glow Up’ prize package worth over £4,000!
Are there different hospitality packages available for the festival?
There are a number of fabulous hospitality packages to choose from at Down Royal. From the Moscow Flyer Suite to your own private box suite, you can enjoy spectacular viewing of the weekend’s entertainment. You will be served first class dining from the finest local produce and drinks of your choice. For more information on hospitality packages available please contact susan@downroyal.com
If people haven’t been to a day at the races before why should they consider taking a trip to Down Royal?
The famous two-day Festival is the highlight of the racing calendar at Down Royal and marks the offical start of the National Hunt Season. Fans are sure to be in for a treat as they will witness the richest hurdle race in Northern Ireland take place – The WKD Hurdle – while the Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase will run on Saturday with a prize pot of £125,000. The renowned ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition will once again feature on Ladies Day which celebrates the allure and elegance entrants bring to the festival.
FALL BACK IN TOUCH THIS AUTUMN
However you want to reconnect with loved ones, welcome nature’s descent into hibernation with a getaway to the Isle of Man.
Just a stone’s throw away from Ireland (with flights and/or ferry connections from Belfast and Dublin), experience the Island in all its autumnal glory. Reconnect with the dazzling colours of its picture-perfect scenery, explore the natural wildlife along its dramatic windswept coast, or hunker down on a foodie heritage trail that will satisfy even the fussiest of travellers.
Celebrated on the 31st October, Hop-Tu-Naa is the Manx equivalent of Halloween and marks the beginning of the Celtic New Year and the start of winter. With a wide selection of Hop-Tu-Naa and half-term events and activities set to take place, it’s the perfect location to fall back in touch with friends, family and loved ones, having fun and celebrating.
Discover your autumn getaway at visitisleofman.com.
ChristmasCountry MusicDancing Thenightaway
FRIDAY3RDDECEMBER2021 TICKETS€20EACH DOORSOPEN9PM THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT
This Christmas the Abbey Hotel is celebrating with an 80’s Night with Spandex Ballet, Casino Night Dancing with Red Alert and Country Christmas Dance with Derek Ryan in addition to private dining in the Abbey Bar or Market House Restaurant, there really is something for everyone to catch up on missed moments this Christmas.
The perfect gifts are available for you to purchase online or at the hotel, choose from gift vouchers or tickets to New Year country music events including George Michael tribute night at the Central Hotel in January, the ideal gift this Christmas.
PROTECT YOURSELF IN THE SEA...
Wild Atlantic Surf Co is an independent Northern Irish surf and outdoor lifestyle brand.
From the very beginning our mission was simply to “keep you outdoors longer” and when we launched in late 2019, little did we know how important this would turn out to be.
For us, a good product is one that is designed so well that it helps people feel confi dent to step outside their comfort zone and into the ocean.
Our Wet & Dry Changing Robe or ‘multi-purpose outdoor adventure cloak’, as it’s a ectionately known by some of our followers, was designed for simply getting changed under but has now become an essential piece of kit for every outdoor activity imaginable including marshmallows round the campfi re! As well as our iconic black, it’s now available in brand-new red and we also have a kid’s option available.
At Wild Atlantic Surf Co, we do our best to protect the ocean and minimise our impact on the planet by choosing low impact fabrics, designing long lasting, durable products that won’t end up in landfi ll and never using single use plastic in any of our packaging.
Where possible, we are also looking to reduce our carbon footprint by developing products using more sustainable ingredients and materials that are manufactured closer to home.
At the forefront of this is our SOS Skin Balm which was launched in June 2021. SOS stands for many things but for us in this instance it’s SAVE OUR SKIN. Our SOS Balm has been thoughtfully formulated and developed for SKIN THAT NEVER STAYS IN.
Packed full of ingredients from the ocean, it is 100% Vegan and 100% natural. A blend of 3 seaweed extracts, to help preserve the skin’s natural protective layer and fi ght dryness, deep sea Irish magnesium which protects against harsh external conditions and aids cell regeneration and organic hemp oil which soothes and hydrates your skin and gives the balm its natural colour and scent.
Ideal for all you wild swimmers, surfers, ‘SUPers’ and hikers. For application on face and body before outdoor and water activities as a protective barrier balm or afterwards as a soothing moisturiser.
We take risks with new products, designs and new attitudes. We value originality and innovation, because we believe these qualities will help us to swim faster and catch the breaks that are right for us.
WILD ATLANTIC SURF CO ™
Winnersof18GreatTaste Awards &3BlasNahEireann Irish Food Awards
41DerryhillaghRoad,Enniskillen, Co.FermanaghBT744DX T:02866381720 WWW.ERINGROVE.COM
www.skeaeggs.com
SWEET STUFF
2021 Great Taste Award winning products from Erin Grove Preserves: A gold star each for the Hot Chilli Jam and the Seville Orange Marmalade with Stem Ginger.
Raspberry Gin & Jam: A classic cocktail made with Erin Grove Preserves Award Winning Raspberry Preserve.
WINNER! FARM SHOP & DELI RETAILER
AWARD WINNING QUALITY
Wilson’s Family Butchers recently won the Northern Ireland regional category in the infl uential Farm Shop and Deli Retailer of the Year Awards 2021.
We are a family owned business based in Downpatrick, Co. Down. Now in their second generation of butchers off ering traditional cuts of meat and now a new range of homemade gluten free products. Established almost 25 years by master butcher, Pearse Wilson, after he spotted an opportunity to put his years of son John Wilson and after a full refi t son John Wilson and after a full refi t to meet the changing times we face today, John still keeps the same standard and quality his father started by keeping his father’s recipes and methods for producing award winning products. The shop now hosts a range of new products from gluten free meats and sauces to John’s own range of gluten free meat rubs and marinades, made from only the fi nest herbs and spices!
John Wilson
experience into his dream of opening his own shop in Downpatrick. Over the last 25 years Pearse has delivered top quality produce to Downpatrick and surrounding areas. As a master butcher he created his own recipes for sausages and burgers which have won multiple awards across Northern Ireland.
Today the shop is run by Pearse’s
• SUPERSIZE MEAT HAMPER • FREE DELIVERY
1 Market Ln, Downpatrick BT30 6TH T: 028 4461 7867 W: wilsonsbutchersni.com E: info@wilsonsbutchersni.com
Gareth Maklin, The Malone. Hama Davidson, indianblondee and Inga Donaldson, Belfast Live.
MALONE HOTEL 30TH ANNIVERSARY
The Malone Hotel celebrated 30 years in business with a sumptuous 5 course tasting menu. The boutique hotel, a former Victorian townhouse that oozes elegant charm is located within the leafy avenues of the Queen’s Quarter. Guests were taken on a gastronomic journey of the past three decades with a modern twist, paired with wine and champagne, superbly created by Executive Chef Andrew McConnell.
. Curtis McAllister and Jane Corscadden, Belfast Live.
Paula Beckett, Mandy Mitchell and Sarah Magee all from Henderson’s Group.
. Brendan McGeown, Kiera Campbell and Eddie McKeever, Henderson’s Group.
Gareth Maklin, Chris Kirkpatrick and Tony Cary all from The Malone.
Hollie Hutchison, Bull & Claw, Sean Hamill and Maria Lugea, Pattison & Co Wine Importers. Richard & Brenda Buckley, Business Eye.
. Niall & Emma Diver, Pattison & Co Wine
Importers and Fraser Greenhill , Bull & Claw.
RECIPE BY TV CHEF, PAULA MCINTYRE
Baked hazelnut liqueur custard, honeycomb wafers, cider candied apples and blackberries
Hazelnut liqueur
• 150g shelled hazelnuts • 200g sugar • 2 teaspoons smoked seasalt • 500ml water • 200ml vodka
Method
Set the oven to 180°c and spread hazelnuts onto a baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes and place in a clean kilner jar. Place the sugar, salt and water in a pan and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Pour onto the nuts and add the vodka. Seal the lid and place in a pan of hot water. Place on heat and bring to a heat that’s just hot – not simmering. Leave for two hours and remove from heat. Allow to infuse for a couple of hours. Line sieve with muslin and pour over the mixture. Bottle the liquid. Use the nuts for cakes or salad.
• 500ml double cream • 50g butter • 4 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 9 egg yolks • 75g caster sugar
Method
Set oven to 150°c. Butter four large metal moulds or eight small ones. Bring the cream to the boil and add the butter, hazelnut liqueur and vanilla and remove from heat. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar and pour the cream mixture on top. Pour into the moulds and place on a baking tray. Bake until set on top but still wobbly in the middle – about 15 minutes for large moulds, less for smaller ones. Cool and then chill. Dip in hot water and remove from moulds.
Honeycomb crumble wafers
• 100g caster sugar • 1 tablespoon liquid glucose • 1 tablespoon honey • 2 tablespoons water • 1 dessertspoon baking soda
Method
Place the sugar, glucose, honey and water in a heavy based pan and bring to the boil. Without stirring allow to turn to an amber liquid – 142°c on a thermometer. Add the baking soda carefully and stir in. Immediately turn onto a sheet of parchment paper and allow to cool. Place in a bag and bash to a powder with a rolling pin or crush in a food processor.
Crumble
g plain our • 40g soft butter • 50g caster sugar
Method
Set oven to 180°c and line a baking tray with parchment paper. ub the our and butter to fi ne crumbs and then mi in the sugar. Spread over the tray and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden and fi rm. ool. ine a baking tray with parchment paper and set oven to 170°c. Place a ring mould on the paper and sprinkle honeycomb over the bottom. Repeat to make four wafers.
Cider candied apples and blackberries
• 2 cooking apples • 150g caster sugar • 200ml sweet cider • 150g blackberries
Method
Peel, quarter and remove core from apples. Cut into 2cm chunks. Heat the sugar in frying pan to a golden amber liquid. Add the cider and boil to thick syrup. Add the apples and cook for a couple of minutes until soft but still holding their shape. Fold in the blackberries and cool.
NOW OFFERING DELIVERIES
• Fresh Vegetables • Fresh Fruit • Fruit Baskets • Vegetable Boxes
• Fresh Flowers • Bunches • Bouquets • Arrangements
• Easy Parking at the Door • 187 MOIRA ROAD, LISBURN BT28 1JA
Open Monday to Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm
Tel: 028 9266 6507
Email: evansfarmshop@outlook.com www.evansfarmshop.co.uk
Evans Farm Shop based on Moira Road, Lisburn have a team of e fi cient and e perienced sta who provide riendly and courteous service. They offer a delivery service to local shops, schools, cafes, restaurants and canteens. You can also phone them with your order and they will have it prepared and ready for collection. The shop stocks everything from fresh, local and imported fruit and vegetables, owers, plants, dairy products, ams, chutneys and more.
evansfarmshop.co.uk Tel: 028 9266 6507
FOOD SERVED DAILY
Check Out Our Menu Online
