Dromoland Castle

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≈ A Warm Welcome ≈

Dear Guest,

T

hank you for choosing to stay at Dromoland Castle. We are delighted you did and every member of our 170 strong team will make every effort to ensure that your experience is a memorable one where you feel welcome and pampered.

This magazine invites you to explore the many facets of the Castle, including dining options such as The Earl of Thomond fine dining restaurant, the Golf & Country Club’s Fig Tree restaurant, which is a more brassiere style dining experience, and finally our newly-opened Shannigan’s Gastro Pub, which is located in our sister hotel on the Estate, The Inn at Dromoland. We have complimentary transport throughout the Estate to ensure you maximise your experience at Dromoland.

One thing that we have become particularly renowned for is Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea which is served in the Castle between 3pm and 5.30pm daily – it is a treat not to be missed!

The Estate offers incredible activities such as golf, a driving range and practice areas, clay target shooting, archery, biking trails, tennis, and an absolutely fabulous Spa in the main Castle. The Leisure Centre, located in the Golf & Country Club, has a 17 metre swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a fully equipped gym. Our Falconry School is also not to be missed; the experience amazes our guest time after time.

If there is anything at all we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, or if you are celebrating a special occasion that for some reason we do not know about, please call Reception and ask for me or the Manager on Duty in my absence.

Have a great stay.

Mark Nolan Managing Director, Dromoland Castle.

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≈ Dromoland Castle History ≈

Dromoland Castle, one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the 11th century.

1002-1014 – Brian Boru ruled Ireland as High King from his throne in Killaloe.

1014 – Donough O’Brien, a son of Brian Boru, controlled Dromoland when it was a defensive stronghold.

It was similar in structure to Bunratty Castle, which was also an O’Brien stronghold at that time. For the next 900 years a branch of the O’Briens lived and ruled from Dromoland Castle.

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1651 – The Chief of the Clan O’Brien, Morrough, 57th King of Thomond, was forced to surrender his royalty to King Henry VIII, thus becoming the Baron of Inchiquin and First Earl of Thomond.

Records show that the Castle was rebuilt during this period.

1660

– Sir Donough O’Brien moved the most powerful branch of the O’Briens to Dromoland in the late 17th century.

He was an astute man and managed to avoid declaring for either King James

II or King William. He was, at that time, reputed to be the richest man in Ireland.

1730 – Sir Edward O’Brien, the

second Baronet, was revered as a famous racehorse owner and trainer. He built the turret on the hill opposite the entrance to the Estate, from where he would observe his horses race. He once gambled the Estate on a horse race. Mercifully, Sean Buis won the

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≈ Dromoland Castle History ≈ race and saved the Estate. Sean Buis is buried under the temple, 100 yards from the old entrance to the Castle.

1700-1730 – The second Castle/

house at Dromoland was built; it was more residential in appearance with a design of the Queen Anne period.

The Queen Anne Court, the charming quadrangle of 29 guestrooms, is a century older than the rest of today’s Castle. It was rebuilt inside and redecorated in 1963 when the Castle was redesigned as a hotel.

1800-1836

– The present main building of Dromoland Castle, with its high Gothic-styled grey stone walls, was rebuilt and designed by the Pain brothers, famous architects of that period. The Castle was built by the then Lord of Dromoland, Sir Edward O’Brien, fourth Baronet, at great expense. The cost of cutting and hauling its stone from a nearby quarry on the Dromoland Estate alone was more than £80,000, a huge amount in Georgian times.

1803-1864 – Dromoland Castle

was the birthplace and boyhood home of William Smith O’Brien, MP. Despite his aristocratic background, Smith O’Brien fought militantly for the rights of oppressed Irish Catholic peasant farmers and led the Young Irelanders rebellion against the British authorities in 1848. He was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered, later exiled instead to Tasmania for his role in the revolt.

He returned to Ireland in 1856 and

there is a statue of him on O’Connell Street, Dublin. He died in 1864.

1880-1921 – The wealth of the

Barons of Inchiquin dwindled after a series of Land Acts started in the 1880s. During this time, landlords were compelled to sell their tenanted farmlands, thus the Inchiquins lost their main source of income. They still considered themselves fortunate, as their Castle had survived the troubled times of Ireland’s revolutionary war against Britain. The homes of many landlords in Ireland were left in ruins during the Irish Republican Army’s war against the British forces in 1920 and 1921.

1921 – The IRA leaders in Dublin

marked Dromoland Castle for destruction. However, sabotage orders were reversed at the last minute at the urgent request of local IRA leaders in County Clare, who argued that the Inchiquin Lords had been fair and benevolent in dealing with their tenant farmers. Sir Lucius O’Brien, the 13th Baron of Inchiquin (brother of Sir William Smith O’Brien), was remembered respectfully by the people for his relief work in the famine years of the 1840s.

1922-1940 – Although the family’s good reputation saved the Castle during the revolution, the later loss of income after the forced sale of the tenant farms made the Castle and the 2,000+ acre Dromoland Estate increasingly difficult for the Inchiquins to keep. After the death of

the 15th Baron of Inchiquin in 1929, Dromoland was supported mainly by the personal wealth of his widow, Lady Ethel Inchiquin, an heiress, whose portrait, painted by Herbert Draper, hangs near the staircase in the Castle’s hall.

1940-1962 – After Lady Ethel’s

death, her oldest son, Sir Donough O’Brien, the 16th Baron of Inchiquin, and his wife, Lady Anne, daughter of Viscount Chelmsford, a Viceroy of India, managed to maintain Dromoland Castle as a traditional ancestral home for more than 20 years. Lord Inchiquin tried to make the Estate self-supporting as a dairy farm, but by 1948 was so financially hard pressed that he began to take in tourists as paying guests.

1962 – Lord Inchiquin sold the

Castle, along with some 330 acres of surrounding land, and the hunting and fishing rights to Mr Bernard McDonough, an American industrialist, whose grandparents were born in Ireland. Conor O’Brien, the 18th Baron, and his family live in Thomond House and continue to farm and run part of the Estate as a sporting and leisure estate. The pedigree of the Dromoland O’Briens is kept in a vault at Lloyds in London and is 36 feet in length.

1962 – The Castle underwent

major renovations to transform the ancestral home into a luxury hotel. When the Castle was officially reopened as a resort hotel, visitors who remembered it from the days of the Inchiquins marvelled at the preservation of its stately, warm and cheerful baronial country house atmosphere. The public rooms on the main floor of the Castle look very much the same now as when Lord Inchiquin’s family lived there, although the Lord’s octagonal shaped study, under the round tower, is now a pleasant cocktail bar, and his library is now part of the Dining Room.

1987 – A consortium of mainly

Irish American investors purchased the Castle and Estate. Through their continued investment and management, the Castle has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for excellence and is regarded as one of the great resorts in Europe.

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≈ Accommodation ≈ With a reputation built on its unparalleled warm hospitality, guests will understand just what a special experience it is to stay at Dromoland Castle.

STATE ROOMS As magnificent in décor as in proportion, the State Rooms are individually named to represent the expansive history of the Castle and its long line of distinguished inhabitants. These exquisite rooms enjoy a paramount position within the Castle enjoying breathtaking vistas across the Dromoland demesne.

EXECUTIVE SUITES Entirely unique in their design and layout, the Executive Suites offer guests a spacious living room, a lavish bathroom and a grand bedroom from which to enjoy awe-inspiring views across the Castle grounds and beyond. Sumptuous fabrics are set against individually chosen hand-crafted furnishings to bring guests the ultimate in opulent comfort.

The smallest things are the most important to us, and we know that our careful attention to detail is what inspires our guests to return.

Relax and unwind in your room: call room service and order a glass of Champagne with canapés before dinner – or alternatively, we can arrange for dinner to be delivered to you. Our staff are also happy to arrange fresh flowers, handmade chocolates or Champagne at your request, should the occasion call for it. Just ask!

overlook a charming enclosed garden courtyard. Beautifully traditional, each of these rooms incorporates specially commissioned wall-coverings, drapes and subtle handcrafted furnishings.

DELUXE ROOMS Each of the spacious Deluxe Rooms has been individually designed and meticulously furnished in accordance with the changing shades and moods of the Castle’s landscape. Equipped with every contemporary comfort, these rooms fuse modern luxury with a touch of old-style glamour.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE The Presidential Suite is Dromoland Castle’s most significant and historical bedroom. Located on the second floor of the Castle, offering stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding demesne through its castle feature window, the Presidential Suite offers the ultimate in distinguished luxury.

Featuring a separate living room and a spacious dressing room, the suite also includes a guest bathroom, main bathroom, a wet bar and business area.

Magnificent chandeliers, drapes, fine upholstery and traditional décor set this special suite apart. The Presidential Suite

QUEEN ANNE ROOMS Situated near the heart of the Castle and the 18th century Queen Anne Court, the Queen Anne Rooms

Young Guests Young guests are very welcome at Dromoland, and we offer a range of services to help them feel at home. These include junior bathrobes, specially tailored children’s menus, a selection of board games, children’s TV channels and movies on request.

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≈ Accommodation ≈ enjoys all of Dromoland’s luxuries and also includes a feature window with stunning vistas of the Dromoland demesne.

MAIRE RUA SUITE The Maire Rua Suite is a lavish self-contained apartment-type accommodation, exclusive to Dromoland Castle, appealing to those who seek the ultimate in opulent indulgence. With meticulous attention to detail, this special suite has been designed and furnished to cater for the most contemporary standards of living.

Service with the Maire Rua Suite is very different to the rest of the Castle – guests are sequestered away in total privacy, with an option of an exclusive personal chef working from bespoke menus or a fully stocked kitchen for those visitors seeking a self-catering alternative.

The Maire Rua Suite is comprised of a large expansive bedroom with a seating and dining area, an adjoining kitchen, private patio and a stateof-the-art bathroom. The colourful,

spacious bedroom is flooded with natural light and has been adorned with plush contemporary fabrics and specially commissioned furnishings.

The bedroom features a king-size bed, spacious seating and dining, an interactive television DVD and CD player with surround sound, marble fireplace and open fire, as well as large sash windows. The Maire Rua Suite Bedroom is also the only private room in the Castle to maintain an open log fire.

Fitted with particular care, the bathroom has been fully tiled in warmcoloured, natural stone, and features a super jet Jacuzzi with inset flatscreen television, two sinks, separate WC, original artistic impressions, warm fluffy towels, luxurious toiletries and mood enhancing light settings that will ensure an extended bath-time.

In keeping with the rest of the Suite, the kitchen has been fitted out to the very highest standards, complete with natural stone worktops and flooring, Wedgewood delph and AEG appliances.

All rooms also feature: • An elegant en-suite bathroom with luxury toiletries; • Dromoland Castle’s signature soft slippers and bathrobes; • Interactive television and complimentary broadband access; • Evening turndown service with complimentary handmade chocolates; • 24-hour room service; and • Hairdryer, clothes press, personal safe and American socket converters.

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≈ Fine Dining ≈

Dining at Dromoland is always an occasion, with the quality of food and service renowned the world over. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in a five-star restaurant, relax with an afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or meet with friends for a light snack in the Country Club. Dromoland offers culinary expertise within a classically relaxed setting.

EARL OF THOMOND RESTAURANT The Earl of Thomond Restaurant offers a relaxed but elegant dining experience. Enjoy breakfast, Sunday lunch and dinner in this wonderful setting. The bill of fare includes a large à la carte menu, a daily table d’hôte menu and a selection of gastronomic menus. Executive Head Chef, David McCann’s approach is one of simplicity founded on his classical training using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

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≈ Fine Dining ≈ LIGHT LUNCH AND DINNER OPTIONS In addition to our restaurant menus, lighter snack options are offered in the Main Gallery, Drawing Room and Cocktail Bar. The menu in the Gallery includes a selection of salads, fish and pasta, ideal for those occasions when you prefer to relax beside a log fire with a more informal service.

THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT Having undergone a recent transformation with contemporary furnishings and modern décor, the Fig Tree welcomes guests looking to enjoy quality food without the formality of the Earl of Thomond.

The Fig Tree is located a short walk from the Hotel at the Golf & Country Club, or via golf buggy provided by the concierge. Relax with a drink at the bar and then enjoy simple classical cuisine in the stylish dining room.

Alternatively, sit outside on the patio and appreciate the scenery of the Walled Gardens. The all-day dining menu is available until 6pm, after which the restaurant operates a two or three course menu beautifully arranged by Derek McCoy and his team of chefs. Young children are also catered for with a dedicated menu.

THE WINE CONNOISSEUR In accordance with our reputation for fine cuisine, Dromoland Castle’s wine list has been meticulously selected to uphold this standard of excellence. Our Sommelier will be happy to discuss or advise as required. We also offer a wide selection of vintage ports and cognacs to add the finishing touch to your meal.

THE COCKTAIL BAR After a day on the golf course, or just taking it easy, a restorative drink may be called for! Formerly the Castle library, the Cocktail Bar at the top of the Main Gallery now provides the cosy setting for pleasures of a less literary nature. Open from 10.30am the bar is a restful haven for daytime refreshments with tranquil lake views and a gently burning log fire.

Irish ballads provide the background for candlelit after-dinner drinks to complete your evening.

MRS WHITE’S AFTERNOON TEA Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea features a tantalising selection of teas, delicious sandwiches and freshly baked pastries, served each day between 3pm and 5.30pm. Enjoy the Gallery menu from 10am to 10pm through room service or served in the Drawing Room (next to the old Castle entrance).

PICNIC BASKETS Our chef will be happy to prepare special picnic baskets for your requirements; from basic snack lunches to deluxe picnic baskets including Champagne.

ROOM SERVICE For guests preferring the privacy and comfort of their room or suite, the full complement of restaurant menus is offered. Room service is available from 7am to 11pm. A reduced night menu is available from 11pm to 7am.

For all your dining information please refer to the Food and Beverage Service Menu in your room.

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≈ Meet Our Chef ≈

WHEN I SET OUT to be a chef I decided very early on that classical cuisine was the foundation I wanted. After a nine year apprenticeship in some of the best restaurants and hotels in London, I returned to Ireland in 1995 and the challenges of Dromoland Castle.

In a world of five-star hotels of multi-cultural influences, today’s chefs still owe their skills in a large part to those great chefs who played a major role in the development of cooking.

The cooking at Dromoland is not static; we need to consider new trends in the context of classical cuisine. Irish stew, for example, has evolved into a refined lamb stew with seasonal vegetables and is still enjoyed by many of our guests.

Cooking also reflects present day habits and preference – lunch is no longer a main meal, instead it is a more casual fare; sandwiches, pasta, snacks and salads, which are all available in the Cocktail Bar, Gallery or Golf & Country Club. The ‘grand cuisine’ of gastronomy is a major event at Dromoland. The elegant

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surroundings of the Earl of Thomond Restaurant provide a perfect stage for both à la carte and table d’hôte menus. The cooking is firmly ground in classical cuisine, but with a lighter, more modern approach. Start with a terrine of foie gras paysanne or maybe a vegetable and chicken broth, in between a rocket and Parmesan salad or a refreshing sorbet. For the main course, pot roasted guinea fowl with braised lettuce or poached Doolin lobster with Champagne. Definitely finish with brown bread soufflé, coffee and a wonderful selection of petits fours.

“whatever the meal, the true quality is found in the ingredients; local, be it farmhouse cheeses, game from the Estate, Irish beef or lamb or fish fresh from the west coast.” – David McCann, Executive Head Chef, Dromoland Castle.

Whatever the meal, the true quality is found in the ingredients; the vast majority of which are local, be it farmhouse cheeses, game from the Estate, Irish beef or lamb or fish fresh from the west coast.

Therefore, my approach to cooking owes a lot to my training, the customer and the ingredients. This old building, a castle hotel, with all the modern comforts required, provides the unrivalled platform from which to create and explore our culinary future.

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≈ Golf Academy ≈

WIDELY REGARDED as one of the finest 18 hole parkland golf courses in the Country and is situated in the West of Ireland, Dromoland Golf Course has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting a stern challenge to both professionals and amateurs. With Shannon Airport only a 10 minute drive away on the motorway, Dromoland has never been so easy to access. Dromoland offers a great introduction to Irish golf and may also be an ideal venue for a final round when departing in the late morning or early afternoon. The course is available to groups and corporate events and offers a range of packages to suit individual needs.

The Golf Team at Dromoland offer an assured and professional service and challenge you to experience the soft pleasing curves and endless variety that only Dromoland can offer.

In 2003, the par 72 Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club championship parkland course was carefully redesigned and updated by world class architect Ron Kirby and Irish golfing legend J.B.Carr. The course plays 6,824 yards for men and 5,242 yards for ladies. It is a captivating test of golf surrounded by the wonders of the Irish Countryside. It has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting the pure challenge of golf to both professional and amateur alike. The 18 enchanting holes sweep through 450 acres of shady woodland, open rolling pasture, feral lakes, streams and the magnificence of the 16th Century baronial Dromoland

Castle presiding over the estate.Yet for all the regal splendour and unassuming nature, it is a course for the 21st Century.

After his work on the Dromoland Golf Course, Ron Kirby turned his hand to designing the most modern golf practice facility in Ireland at Dromoland Castle. The stone clad, slate roofed structure houses 9 driving range bays and a fully enclosed teaching bay. All the bays are fitted with Golf-Tech's second generation fully automated 'Power Tees' - alleviating the need for bending down for your next ball and allowing more enjoyable and better quality practice time. With 4 bunkered target greens ranging between 100 and 250 metres and at a total length of 300 metres, the driving range will provide a wide variety of shot selection.

bunker, modelled on the famous 'Road Hole' bunker on the 17th at St Andrews.

Dromoland Castle's resident resort PGA Golf Professional, David Foley, is available to provide tuition to all levels of golfer, from the complete beginner upwards.

Personalised programs and state of the art teaching aids and methods will be used to allow the golfer to enjoy learning and developing the unique challenges that golf has to offer.

The Academy is open to Members of Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, Hotel Residents of the Castle and Dromoland Castle Golf Academy Privilege Card Holders only.

During the Summer months, the two 500 square metre grass teeing areas are open for use. This allows golfers instant feedback from conditions exactly as they would find on the fairways on the golf course.

The short game area includes two USGA specification greens with the same Penn A4/G6 Creeping Bent grass as used on the golf course - a 500 square metre Putting Green to hone the perfect stroke before you tackle Kirby's greens on the course, and a 450 square metre Bunker and Chipping Green. The Bunker and Chipping Green offer a number of lies, slopes and grass lengths to practice from. In addition to a well-shaped, large greenside bunker, there is also a riveted face links style Dromoland Castle

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≈ The Great Outdoors ≈

DROMOLAND CASTLE offers guests a wide range of leisure pursuits, most of which can be organised in advance right here at the Hotel. On the Dromoland Estate, guests can reap the rewards of country living – tennis, fishing, shooting and boating – while our beautiful gardens and secluded woodlands offer any number of opportunities for jogging, cycling or leisurely strolls. Should your tastes extend to more adventurous pastimes like horse riding or deepsea fishing, we’ll be happy to advise and organise these for you.

FISHING Fishing on Lough Dromoland is an ideal way to unwind and relax. For the more adventurous angler, the River Shannon awaits. With the help and expertise of Dromoland’s Ghillie, you’ll discover secret nooks along the banks of Ireland’s largest river, renowned for having some of the best salmon pools in the country. At the end of the day, triumphant anglers can bring their catch back to the Castle kitchens, where our experienced chefs will prepare it to order for dinner the same evening.

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TENNIS The Castle has two all-weather tennis courts, which are available exclusively to guests without advance booking.

Equipment is available on request at the Golf & Country Club.

HORSE RIDING Three riding stables are located close to the Dromoland Estate, offering a wide range of horses and ponies suitable to all levels of riding experience, age groups and physical abilities. The countryside surrounding Dromoland is spectacular and varied, and this is an ideal way to explore the local landscape at a leisurely pace.

SHOOTING With a little advance notice, our Hospitality Desk will be happy to arrange a session of clay pigeon shooting for guests interested in this enjoyable and challenging sport. On certain dates during the shooting season, the Castle also holds a series of organised driving shoots.

ESTATE WALKS AND TRAILS As former guests at Dromoland know well, one of the most attractive aspects of the Hotel is the sheer beauty and tranquillity of its environs. The briefest of

walks around the Castle will take you to the secluded rose gardens, the Temple of Mercury, where the legendary 18th century racehorse ‘Sean Buis’ is buried, or the lily pond. While walking, the more eagle-eyed may catch a glimpse of the deer herd that roams the Estate.

FALCONRY Beginning in the part of the world formally known as Mesopotamia, mankind has been hooding falcons for over 4,500 years. Throughout the ages, a number of great historical figures have been noted as keen falconers. In Ireland, falconry has suffered a rather mixed existence. There is evidence of interaction between mankind and raptors as far back as 7000BC but nothing that could be considered as hunting. Here, at Dromoland School of Falconry, we have a historical link to the sport. In 1615, Donogh O’Brien, fourth Earl of Thomond, ancestor of the current Lord of Inchiquin, signed his name to legislation regarding the tax and excise on the capture and export of Goshawks. At Dromoland School of Falconry, we offer a number of different experiences from hawk walks to owl evenings and falconry displays to lessons all designed to help our guests interact with our birds of prey.

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≈ Golf & Country Club ≈ We invite golfers in residence to avail of any of the following offers at the Dromoland Castle Golf Academy during their stay with us: THE GOLFER: LOOSEN UP AND FINE-TUNE YOUR SWING… A complimentary basket of balls for use on the driving range.

BEFORE THE LINKS: LAST MINUTE PRACTICE… A special nine-hole rate of ™40 for golf on the Dromoland Course after 4pm.

AFTER LINKS: REVIEW YOUR SWING… A 30-minute lesson with one of our PGA Golf Professionals at a reduced rate of 30 and a complimentary basket of balls.

THE FULLY AUTOMATED ‘Power Tees’ sit in each bay, providing the perfect surface to hit from and alleviating the need to bend down for your next ball – allowing you more enjoyable and better quality practice time. Open from 8am to 10pm, the driving range has four bunkered target greens ranging between 100 and 250 metres providing a wide variety of shot selection.

levels of golfer, from the complete beginner to the budding professional.

Personalised programmes, state-of-theart teaching aids and V1 golf coaching technology allow the golfer to enjoy learning and developing the unique challenges that golf has to offer.

LEISURE FACILITIES...

Located in our Golf & Country Club, the facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and fully equipped gymnasium.

Vouchers for the above may be obtained from Hotel Reception. Tokens and cards for additional baskets may be purchased from the Pro Shop in the Golf & Country Club or the Hotel Reception.

The short game area includes two USGA specification greens with the same Penn A4/G6 creeping bent grass as used on the Dromoland course – a 500 square metre putting green to hone the perfect stroke and a 450 square metre foot bunker and chipping green. In fact, the bunker green has a recreation of the 17th ‘Road Hole’ bunker at St Andrews, along with a number of other more normal lies to practice from.

Dromoland Castle’s Resident Resort PGA Golf Professional, David Foley, is available to provide tuition to all

Did You Know?

You can become a member of the Golf Club at Dromoland and enjoy the many privileges and club camaraderie admired throughout the world. Categories of membership include individual, couple, corporate and international. Please contact the Golf Club or Hotel Reception and we will be delighted to provide you with more details.

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≈ Leisure Activities ≈

During your stay, why not avail of the facilities in our Leisure Centre at the Golf & Country Club?

The Dromoland Castle Swimming Pool is located in the Golf & Country Club. The pool is an indoor heated 17 metre lap pool with adjacent solarium which allows direct access to the 17th century walled garden. Working out is one thing that’s impor tant to many of our guests. We provide a fully equipped gym for our guests.

The pool and gym facility is complemented by a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

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≈ The Spa ≈ The Spa at Dromoland is a havan of calm and tranquility. Located inside the Castle walls, this intimate spa consists of six luxurious treatment rooms, two dedicated manicure and pedicure rooms and an outdoor hydro spa covered with a gazebo for year-round use.

We hope that you will enjoy the experience of the latest natural beauty and holistic therapies. We are delighted that our product ranges have been adapted to create our own signature treatments.

THE PRODUCTS ANNE SEMONIN This Parisian chic product combines ingenious blends of aromatic essential oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with the classic French touch, along with a holistic approach to treating the individual needs of your body and skin.

VOYA This Irish product is 100 per cent certified organic therapies. rganic

seaweed is the base ingredient harvested by hand in an area of unsurpassable natural beauty, untouched by mankind.

SOME SIGNATURE DELIGHTS GAELIC ESCAPE An amazing deep release massage of the feet and legs, along with our anti-stress back therapy involving a bubbling seaweed which disperses tension, combats tight muscles and helps improve circulation. Complete this experience with a back, neck and shoulder massage with a hot basalt stone massage therapy.

GAELIC BEAUTY An advanced cryo-therapy technique

will infuse this youthful glow from star t to finish. A contouring and firming facial designed to combat visual signs of aging will help smooth and tighten the skin using our 100 per cent serums and our Botox-effect ice cube. For tired or puffy eyes we design a signature eye therapy which minimises dark circles and lifts the delicate area.

DROMOLAND CASTLE FIG TREE THERAPY A wonderful aromatic fig body scrub to exfoliate the body, will be followed with a fig and seaweed body wrap that stimulates the blood and lymph ow while increasing the skin’s tone and lustre. It is an excellent skin rejuvenator, combating cellulite and muscle fatigue.

For appointments and further information please dial ‘8501’ or consult The Spa at Dromoland brochure in your room.

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≈ Green Hospitality ≈

DROMOLAND CASTLE IS committed to protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations. Our ethos is to promote sustainable business practices and to preserve the beautiful surroundings of our historic Estate.

recycling and installed new pipework, meters and water saving fixtures to reduce our water consumption. Most recently, we installed an enzyme enhanced organic waste disposal system to compost our own organic waste.

In 2006, our Green Management Team was formed to increase environmental awareness amongst our staff and guests and implement policies and procedures to reduce the impact our business has on the environment.

Local and Irish suppliers are used wherever possible throughout the Hotel, our chef uses the freshest locally sourced ingredients in his menu. Voya products which are produced in Ireland using natural seaweed are used in The Spa and eco-friendly cleaning products are used throughout the Hotel.

Since 2006, we have replaced all lighting in the Castle with energy efficient light bulbs, relocated the kitchen refrigeration to the exterior of the Castle, switched our electricity supply to Airtricity, significantly reduced our burning of fossil fuels by installing a wood chip boiler for all our hot water and 90 per cent of our heating needs, reduced our waste to landfill by 40 per cent due to improved

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Our commitment extends to the local community where we created a vegetable garden for the local school and helped them achieve the Green Flag Award. For the past five years we have been providing seasonal employment opportunities in our gardens through ‘Clare Support and Employment’ which

facilitates workers with disabilities, illness and injury to re-enter the labour market.

This year we commenced a project to reclaim the third walled garden which had been uncultivated for over 40 years and with the assistance of our seasonal workers hope to create our own productive vegetable garden utilising our own compost.

Despite working within the confines of an 18th century building, the activities undertaken over the past five years to reduce our energy usage and move to renewable sources for the majority of our energy needs, have reduced our carbon footprint by 80 per cent. In 2010 we launched a project to plant 500 trees annually aimed at offsetting our residual carbon footprint and this plantation in conjunction with Dundrum Nurseries is now well-established and open to visitors.

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≈ Tree Planting Programme ≈

Some years ago Dromoland Castle Hotel formed a ‘Green Team’ to tackle how we do business and how we affect the local environment and community. Since then, the Hotel has introduced many new ‘green’ initiatives.

For example, the Hotel switched to woodchip for heat and hot water in 2008 and in 2009 we bought only ‘green’ electricity.

The ‘Green Project’ has really caught the imagination of all employees at Dromoland and has gathered momentum in a race to become Ireland’s first carbon neutral hotel.

embraced the whole green project. “The Green Team has shown such commitment and focus, and I commend them for their tenacity and hard work. We are all delighted to show collective responsibility to a sustainable healthier environment; hence, we may indeed become Ireland’s first carbon neutral hotel.”

Today, Dromoland Castle is delighted to have employees’ families and friends participate in the programme.

The Hotel, being an 18th century castle estate, will always have some carbon emissions and to negate this Hotel has embarked on an annual ‘Tree Planting Programme’. The programme involves setting aside land on the Estate and planting 500 native trees each year.

To kick off the Tree Planting Programme we invited five local schools to help with planting and to help create ‘green’ awareness in their schools. It turned out to be a fun-filled day enjoyed by all. Managing Director, Mark Nolan, commented that he was absolutely delighted with the way his team had Dromoland Castle

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≈ Weddings at Dromoland ≈

“We felt as if we were the Lords and Ladies of the Castle for the day – a day that will truly live long in our memories and that of our guests.”

Gillian and John

FOR MANY CENTURIES, Dromoland Castle has played host to formal alliances of noblemen and ladies, with beautifully landscaped gardens, winding staircases and sumptuous guest rooms creating a truly spectacular first impression and the ideal background for your memorable day.

From the magical winding approach to the Castle, to the Kincora Gallery with its vaulted ceilings and beautifully crafted floor-length windows, there is a great sense of arrival at Dromoland.

The Brian Boru Hall completes the sense of occasion in grand style.

Surrounded by arched balconies,

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heraldic banners and chandeliered ceilings, guests will enjoy the unique atmosphere and wonderment of the Castle.

The Brian Boru Hall caters for wedding parties with a minimum of 120 guests and a maximum of 300.

Venues for smaller celebrations in the Castle include the Terrace Room and the Drawing Room, which are suitable for parties of 31 to 70 people and ten to 30 people respectively.

The Terrace Room welcomes the outdoors in, with large floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the space a luxurious open and airy feel. In contrast, the Drawing Room is a cosy and warm

space, with a large open fireplace and portraits of Irish royalty decorating the walls. Both offer fantastic views of the classic Irish Dromoland Estate, including stone terraces, lush green lawns, gushing fountains and ancient woodlands.

Our Wedding Team excel in making wedding dreams a reality, personalising each aspect of the celebration and attending to every detail. From the initial consultation, our skilled planners will organise your full wedding day itinerary and any ancillary service providers needed. Every recommended third party supplier is a trusted professional, eager to ensure that plans are executed to perfection.

Typical requests include, use of

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≈ Weddings at Dromoland ≈ “Our thanks to you and the team at Dromoland for giving us 150 per cent to make our dream wedding come true.”

Anna and Paul The Spa at Dromoland, luxury and vintage vehicles, coachman and classic horse-drawn carriages, floral design professionals, jazz trios and wedding cake artisans, to name but a few.

Dromoland is committed to only one wedding per day and will also organise complimentary personalised menus, seating plans and place cards – one less thing for the couple to worry about on the day.

The wedding menu will be a collaboration of your personal choice with the creative talents of Dromoland’s award winning chefs. The Dromoland chefs have carefully chosen a wide selection of menu items, which are designed to reflect the very best of locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

All of which comes together by the professional service of the Dromoland Banquet Team. Our wine cellar at the Castle holds a range of vintages from around the world and selections can be made with the assured guidance of our expert Sommelier.

Allow us to assist you in converting your dream day to a reality and fairytale.

Dromoland Castle offers the following value-added amenities: • Dromoland Castle’s commitment to hosting only one wedding party per day; • A complimentary bridal suite for the wedding night; • Specially discounted room rates for guests; • Complimentary personalised menus and place cards; and • Use of the picturesque demesne f or wedding day photography and video.

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≈ The Brian Boru Centre ≈

The Brian Boru Hall, with its vaulted ceilings, minstrel balconies and heraldic banners, is a unique and elegant venue at Dromoland – ideal for a wide range of events from weddings and music performances to major conferences.

CONFERENCES The Brian Boru International Centre is a superb purpose-built conference facility for up to 450 delegates. The Centre also offers gourmet banqueting for delegates, combining both business and pleasure.

INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES The Brian Boru Centre, set on the 410 acre Dromoland Castle Estate is an ideal venue for incentive programmes that promote company team building and client hospitality. You can choose from golf and fishing to country sports and theme evenings.

elegance of castle life to your business banquet, seminar, exhibition or conference, ensuring that every event becomes a prestigious occasion. The Centre is a superior venue that can accommodate almost any type and size of assembly. It is ideally suitable for a wide variety of functions from conferences and gala dinners to product launches and fashion shows. The hall can be dressed in whatever theme is required – transforming it from a very elegant dining experience with accompanying orchestra for events such as weddings, to a cultured, theatrical extravaganza for your company’s annual ball.

PRODUCT LAUNCHES With its 30 foot ceilings, height adjustable staging and freight-sized mahogany arch doors, the Centre is ideal for product launches, exhibitions and vehicle unveiling.

Whatever your occasion, our expert team of event managers will offer full assistance and advice in organising your event, should you require it.

The Brian Boru Centre extends the

FACILITIES INCLUDE: • 12,000 square feet of floor space; • Graceful Gothic architecture;

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• A support team of qualified professionals; • Five-star banqueting; • The Great Hall, plus two syndicate rooms comfortably seats 80 to 450 people; • Extensive state-of-the-art equipment, including fibre optic telecommunications for international satellite link-up; and • Stunning sound and visual aids.

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≈ The Inn at Dromoland ≈

The 2014 season is even better with the renovations at The Inn at Dromoland. To date we have completed the refurbishment of 71 bedrooms, as well as our banqueting and meeting rooms, restaurant, reception, lobby and bridal suite.

SHANNIGAN'S GASTRO PUB – WHERE PEOPLE LOVE TO EAT Shannigan's has a stunning interior that mixes the best of rustic and contemporary design to give an overall atmosphere that is sophisticated yet warm. Individual design features abound, such as a wine tunnel, traditional snug, and a wide range of craft beers. Dishes are cooked in a creative yet traditional style. Enjoy lots of variation on menus and daily specials that reaffirm a commitment to seasonal cooking using locally sourced produce served by a professional and welcoming team. Whatever the occasion, Shannigan's is the perfect venue for individual and group dining.

GOLF AT DROMOLAND We can offer excellent golf packages for all sizes of groups. Rates include accommodation, breakfast and a round of golf at Dromoland Castle. We can also include dinner in Deerfield's Restaurant as an option. The Inn at Dromoland overlooks the 6th Fairway and has private road access to the course.

ACTIVITIES There are lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, from falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting and woodland walks, to a luxurious Spa Day, it is all right here on the Dromoland Estate.

Activities Championship Golf Course Golf Academy Driving Range Golf Clinics Putting Greens Bicycles Falconry Spa at Dromoland Castle Woodland Walks Archery Clay Pigeon Shooting Pony & Trap

Contact

For further details, contact Christian Schmelter, Sales & Marketing Manager, The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare, Ireland. Direct Dial: +353 (0) 61 700 127. Mobile: 087 667 3725.

E:christian.schmelter@dromoland.ie W: www.theinnatdromoland.ie Dromoland Castle

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≈ Kildare Village ≈

Chic Shopping in the Heart of Ireland’s Thoroughbred County

F

amed for the warmth of its welcome, Dublin is arguably one of Europe's most popular cities. Less than an hour away in the heart of Ireland's horse-racing county lies Kildare Village, Ireland's only luxury outlet shopping destination. With over 60 international brands to choose from, each in its own elegant boutique, offering previous seasons' collections at up to 60% off all year round, you can stretch your spending power with clever investment buys.

Despite its close proximity to Dublin, it feels a million miles away. Kildare is famous for horse breeding, golf, spas, fine food and smart shopping.

Surrounded by the unique plains of The Curragh, Kildare Village offers the visitor a real sense of place, fine food and a five star shopping experience.

Ireland's leading design talent at Louise Kennedy, whose classic pieces you will keep forever.

When it’s time to take a break, indulge in a delicious authentic Italian meal at L'Officina, part of the Dunne & Crescenzi group of restaurants.

For a smaller snack, Creperie Amelie and Starbucks serve up delicious nibbles to help you re-fuel for some more shopping.

Little ones can be kept entertained in the playground beside L'Officina.

Getting to Kildare Village couldn’t be easier. By car, the Village is less than an

hour from Dublin city centre, less than two hours from Dromoland Castle, and there are acres of free parking. Irish Rail operates a regular daily train service from Dublin's Heuston Station to Cork, Galway and Waterford, stopping at Kildare, with connections to Ireland's scenic west coast. The Kildare Village Shopping Express operated by JJ Kavanagh is a daily service with frequent departures to Kildare Village from Dublin airport and Dublin city centre and from Shannon airport and Limerick city.

Get introduced to European fashion names, from beautiful bag designers Anya Hindmarch, Lulu Guinness and Mulberry, to legacy labels Jaeger, Church’s and Links of London.

Thomas Pink, Hackett and Hugo Boss will convert shopping shy men as they find the perfect shirt, tweed sports jacket and sleek suit, respectively. Now that he has been won over, take him with you so you can sample some of

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Commercial Profile

12/02/2015 13:22

New

Broom Inn at the

“The Inn at Dromoland has enjoyed a longstanding reputation as an excellent family-friendly destination and we have adapted the property by adding facilities that further enhance the fun experience for families during their stay.”

Maev Martin talks to Nico Hernandez about his recent appointment as General Manager at The Inn at Dromoland, the latest move in his career with Dromoland, which began 18 years ago when he joined the operation as Assistant Manager.

PRODUCER’S PARADISE Nico Hernandez direct involvement with The Inn at Dromoland began last summer when he assisted the team at The Inn on a daily basis before assuming the role of General Manager at the beginning of this year. “The Inn at Dromoland is in the middle of a four-year plan which involves a major refurbishment of the property,” says Nico.

“Since Dromoland Castle’s acquisition of The Inn (formerly known as The Clare Inn Hotel), nearly 70 bedrooms have been renovated, along with our main function room, The Ballyhannon, our main public areas and, most recently, our bar, which was re-launched on April 4th under the new name of Shannigans.The Inn at Dromoland has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as an excellent familyfriendly destination and we have adapted the property by adding facilities that further enhance the fun experience for families during their stay.

Apart from the pitch and put greens, we have tennis courts, an outdoor play area, The Play Inn, which is our fabulous Indoor Funworld, a

swimming pool, and our kids club, Little Acorns, which gives parents the opportunity to relax and enjoy their family holiday.”

SERVICE OFFERING & VISITOR PROFILE The Inn at Dromoland offers guests a wide array of services and facilities. “Our leisure facilities include our leisure centre where we have an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, childrens’ area, and fully-equipped gym,” says Nico. “On the grounds of the hotel we also have a pitch and put course, along with crazy golf, childrens’ play area, and our indoor Funworld, the Play Inn. In the main building we have a dedicated games room, along with our Little Acorns club. We are in the fortunate position to share the Dromoland Castle estate.

As a result, we can extend preferred green fees to our guests and we can also arrange some of the many extra activities on the estate, ranging from clay pigeon shooting to archery and falconry.”

The Inn’s proximity to Shannon Airport and Ennis Town, as well as the cities of Limerick and Galway, and the many tourists attractions in the area, means that its visitor profile is broad and varied. “Our location makes us a perfect base for day trips to the many attractions in the locality, although the hotel would primarily attract leisure guests who are interested in having a break in a comfortable and relaxing environment,” says Nico.

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A CAREER IN TOURISM Nico’s interest in the hospitality industry began with part-time jobs during school holidays in the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary. “After developing a taste for the industry, I joined an in-house management training programme with the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in Bunratty,” he says.

“After successfully completing the four-year training programme, I was appointed to the position of Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

I joined Dromoland Castle in the mid-1990s on a six-month contract as an Assistant Manager and never left. I enjoy the challenges of management, and after 18 years in Dromoland Castle in a variety of senior management positions I was delighted to have been appointed General Manager of The Inn at Dromoland.”

DESTINATION CLARE So how does Nico rate Clare as a travel and events destination? “It would be difficult to beat Co Clare as a destination,” he says. “The county boasts truly breathtaking scenery and welcoming people. Clare is a magical county, full of surprise

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and contrast. Visitors never cease to wonder at the ever-changing sights that surprise and delight throughout the county, from the majestic Cliffs of Moher, through the lunar landscape of the Burren and on by Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Derg, and then, of course, the wonderful coastline of west Clare.

So whether it is walking, cruising, golfing, eating out, fishing, horse riding, flying, surfing, dolphin watching or just enjoying the music in the local village pub, Co Clare has it.”

Nico is very optimistic about the future of tourism in the region. “This region has always been to the forefront of Irish tourism, with Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the recent redevelopment of King Johns Castle, to name just a few,” he says. “The new Wild Atlantic Way initiative, with its many miles of coastal roads and sandy beaches and, of course, the surfers’ paradise of Lahinch, will further enhance what the region already has to offer.”

“This region has always been to the forefront of Irish tourism, with Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the recent redevelopment of King John’s Castle, to name just a few. The new Wild Atlantic Way initiative will further enhance what the region already has to offer.”

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233

Enjoy the Waterford Crystal Factory Experience.

Book your tour online today.

To book your factory tour visit waterfordvisitorcentre.com or phone +353 (0)51 317000 On social media:

DUBLIN

SHANNON

WATERFORD CORK

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

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≈ The Beauty of the West ≈

The West of Ireland is known the world over for the beauty of its landscape and the warmth of its welcome. At Dromoland you’re ideally placed to explore it all. From picturesque villages to bustling country towns and from the wild country of Connemara to the rough Atlantic seaboard and the islands of Aran.

DAY TRIPS Dromoland Castle organise a wide range of day trips into the West.

Full details are available at the Hotel Reception.

THE CÉIDE FIELDS A must-see for any visitor to Mayo, this fascinating landscape, painstakingly excavated from bogland, comprises the preserved remains of actual fields and farmlands tended by Stone Age farmers 5,000 years ago. The fields represent the oldest enclosed landscape in Europe and the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. The site also has a visitor’s centre.

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ABBEY OF CONG The 12th century Augustinian Abbey, originally founded by the High King of Ireland, Turlough O’Connor, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of Ireland’s past through its fine architecture and ancient ambience.

artists, and the island has a history dating right back to a 4th century monastic settlement.

THE ARAN ISLANDS The Irish-speaking Aran Islands are Europe’s western-most point. Inis Mór, the largest island, is home to the impressive Iron Age fortress of Dún Aonghasa.

WESTPORT The picturesque town of Westport, east of Croagh Patrick, was Ireland’s first planned town. It is also home to the magnificent 18th century mansion of Westport House, which offers visitors an eclectic mix of culture, history and entertainment during the summer months.

See the life-size wax works exhibition – a tribute to the literary arts.

The atmospheric beauty of Inisheer has always attracted countless writers and

CASTLEBAR The busy shopping town of Castlebar,

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≈ The Beauty of the West ≈

Mayo’s county capital, was the historic starting point for the 1798 Rising.

Near the town is Ballintubber Abbey, Ireland’s oldest church, founded in 1216 and still in daily use.

FOXFORD WOOLLEN MILLS No visit to Mayo would be complete without a visit to Foxford Woollen Mills, famous for its Foxford tweeds, rugs and blankets. The Mill was founded by the Irish Sisters of Charity at the end of the 19th century.

KILLARY HARBOUR Nestled between counties Galway and Mayo is a traditional fishing village with one of the most picturesque shorelines in Ireland. A short drive to the north, the land rises to form the beautiful Doolough Valley.

ROUNDSTONE The small stone-harboured village of Roundstone in County Galway has all the ambience of a traditional Irish fishing community and is an ideal spot to relax and watch the catch come in.

THE BURREN For generations the Burren in County Clare has been a source of fascination and enjoyment for visitors to the West of Ireland.

Its name comes from the Irish for ‘rocky place’. The Burren is home

to a rich variety of flora and fauna and is an area of major interest to walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visit the nearby Cliffs of Moher or Aillwee Caves.

Galway Galway, the unofficial capital of the West, is a delightful, prosperous city brimming with history and filled with great shopping precincts, theatres, pubs and restaurants. The city’s vibrant cultural life includes a year-round calender of events including the Jazz Festival in February, the Cúirt International Festival of Literature at Easter, the Arts Festival and the famous Galway Race Week at the end of July as well as the Galway International Oyster Festival at the end of September. Well worth a visit, the Galway Irish Heritage Centre provides an excellent introduction to the rich and varied heritage of the West of Ireland. A Galway institution, Kenny’s Bookshop and Gallery on High Street, is renowned worldwide. Specialising in antiquarian, new and secondhand volumes of Irish interest, the gallery features the work of Irish artists.

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Suppliers to the Foodservice, Deli and In-store Bakery Market

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Jewellers

‘This family run jewellery shop has hand made - one of a kind pieces with a sophisticated celtic theme along with affordable silver pieces. There is some gorgeous gold jewellery and some truly unique engagement and wedding rings.’

SHOP ONLINE: CELTICIMPRESSIONS.COM

Tel: +353 (0)91 632738 Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland See our new designs and info on: facebook.com/odalaighjewellers

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CONTENTS 29

38

Lorraine Courtney describes the world of passion, mythology and wild terrain that is Ireland’s west coast.

Take a trip from Ashford Castle to Dromoland Castle and everywhere in between with Lorraine Courtney.

Into the West

The Scenic Route

41

46

Dee Laffan shows you a food destination that will tickle your senses.

Steeped in tradition and moving into modernity, Emer Taaffe explores the Irish crafts industry.

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57

Arlene Harris shows you how to mark your special day with a spectacular wedding in an Irish castle.

When it comes to following your ancestry, sometimes a holiday can bring you closer to home.

Savour the Taste of the West

Fairytale come true

Editor: Maev Martin Contributors: Lorraine Courtney, Arlene Harris, Dee Laffan, Antoinette O’Brien, Emer Taaffe.

Photography: Cormac Byrne, CCoI, Dermot Culhane, Gerry O’ Gorman, iStock Photo,Colin White.

Creative Director: Jane Matthews Design and Layout: Jane Matthews, Antoinette Sinclair Production Manager: Mary Connaughton Sales Director: Paul Clemenson

The Shape of Things to Come

Trace Your Roots

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © 2015 Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this title is correct at the time of publication, the publishers and Dromoland Castle accept no responsibility whatsoever for any inaccuracies that may occur.

Publisher: Ashville Media Group Old Stone Building Blackhall Green Dublin 7 Tel: +353 (0) 1 432 2200 Fax: +353 (0) 1 672 7100 Web: www.ashville.com

Contents n 27

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The Atlantic coastlines of County Galway / istockphoto.com/studioworxx

Into

the

W e st

Lorraine Courtney explores the majestic landscape, vibrant culture and captivating mythology of the West of Ireland.

“Clew Bay at sunset in the summer is an unsurpassed glory.

The beaches of Achill, curled in among the cliffs, turn to gold, washed by the purest sea for 1,000 miles.”

A

man’s thinking goes on within

playgrounds in Europe and the strange karst

his consciousness in a seclusion

landscape of the Burren will blow

in comparison with which any

your mind.

physical seclusion is an exhibition

to public view.” So wrote Austrian philosopher

MAYO

Ludwig Wittgenstein, in his 1953 book Philosophical

“The most beautiful view I ever saw in the world,”

Investigations. Perhaps, though, he was looking

wrote William Makepeace Thackeray in 1842 of

for some superlative physical solitude when, in the

Clew Bay. It was his first visit to this beguiling sweep

summer of 1948, he decamped to a small cottage at

of water speckled with 365 oddly shaped islands

Killary Harbour, Connemara. On the south bank of the

amid the bleak mountains and boglands of County

Killary Fjord – the only fjord in Ireland – it’s the sort

Mayo. In the 150 years since Thackeray – who was

of place city-dwellers dream about when the hubbub

usually more prone to satire than hyperbole –

gets too much. A small plaque memorialises the

published his sharply observant travel narrative,

philosopher’s brief sojourn. Locals say that he walked

The Irish Sketchbook, little has changed along

around looking at the ground, thinking, wondering,

the shores of Clew Bay. A paved road now winds

communing with his mind, all alone. You’ll be inspired

among the villages and resorts along the north-

too by Ireland’s wild and wonderful west.

facing coast, spilling out onto the pier at Roonagh

Connemara, in Galway, is a genuine wilderness;

Quay, meandering inland through the pub-lined

the Mayo coast, further north, is heavily indented,

main street of Louisburgh, and skirting the swatch

and Clew Bay, studded with drumlins, overlooked

of brilliant white sand against the bay’s dark aqua at

by Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, is

Old Head Beach.

achingly beautiful. Achill Island, looking towards America, must be one of the least-exploited ocean

Just to the east, the mottled green and black slopes of Croagh Patrick loom above the ancient Into the West n 29

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path that in pre-Christian times brought crowds

gathered to worship on its summit, the mountain has

of pilgrims to the mountain’s base for a festival

held a special place in the imagination and spiritual

honouring the Celtic god Lug, long before St Patrick

world of Irish people, an Irish Ganges or Mecca to

and his followers spread the new faith to the West of

which thousands flock every year to perform rites of

Ireland.

penance and prayer.

“Can you tell me the way to Innisfree?” is the first

One thing of which you can be certain of in the

question John Wayne asks when he steps off the

west is that there will be rain, but the sunny intervals

train. Of course Innisfree doesn’t exist. Well – only on

in between are worth waiting for. Clew Bay at sunset

celluloid in John Ford’s 1952 classic The Quiet Man.

in the summer is an unsurpassed glory. The beaches

But it’s still a common enough query from the many

of Achill, curled in among the cliffs, turn to gold,

tourists who visit County Mayo in search of the bucolic

washed by the purest sea for 1,000 miles. The

Irish village.

great inland lakes, Lough Conn, Lough Mask and

But Cong has lots more to offer than just a

Lough Corrib turn deepest blue and are as still as a

cinematic journey down memory lane. The weight

millpond. Even the peat bogs of Connemara seem to

of history compounds and confounds as the past

take on a different character. Wild flowers blossom

echoes in the place names, standing stones,

and the heather comes through, preparing for its

ancient Celtic ring forts and ruins of medieval

gaudy autumn show.

castles. The limestone sub-strata means that the area around Cong is extraordinarily rich in caves.

GALWAY

Dozens of underground passages are already

Since the late 19th century, Ireland has located

mapped and accessible, the most popular being the

its soul in Connemara’s vast treeless expanse of

Ballymaglamancy and Kelly Caves.

mountains, lakes and rugged coast. The west is

If it wasn’t for the events of a stormy night in 1879,

the Ireland of wide-open spaces, but Connemara’s

Knock would still be an obscure little Irish village.

are the widest, and its mountain valleys seem vast

The vision, which turned Knock into the ‘Lourdes

enough to cradle the country whole. Dotted with

of Ireland’, was witnessed by 15 locals when the

lakes, covered in blanket bog, surrounded by sea, and

Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St John the Evangelist and

with mountains at its heart, it’s a virtual island that’s a

a host of angels appeared on the external gable of

velvety green in summer and burned by salty winds to

the parish church. The apparitions did not speak but

a seaside desert of deep sienna in winter. Connemara

remained visible for two hours in the pouring rain.

is that wild hinterland on the west coast of Ireland,

Nearby, Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s holy mountain

bounded on the north by Clew Bay, on the south

and has a particular hold in the Irish imagination.

by Galway Bay and on the east by Lough Corrib and

It is a majestic 2,500 foot peak standing like the

Lough Mask.

cathedral it has become above the 365 islands of Clew Bay. Ever since the earliest times, when pagans

The west is the Ireland of wideopen spaces, but Connemara’s are the widest, and its mountain valleys seem vast enough to cradle the country whole.”

It is a vast, archaic, hectic kingdom of stones and boulders and pond-studded bogs; of endless

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway 30 n Into the West

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E nj oy t h e p e rf e c t p i nt a t D u rt y N e l l y s i n a c h oi c e of s e t t i ng s w i t h mu s i c ni g h t l y !

Choice of restaurants Our restaurants offer a wide selection of cuisine, from the traditional atmosphere of the Oyster Restaurant to the intimate surroundings of the upstairs Loft Restaurant.

Pull your own Pint Experience the thrill of pulling your own perfect pint of Guinness.

Durty Nelly’s Shop Purchase your very own Durty Nelly’s merchandise ranging from hats to hoodies.

- Bar food menu available all day and full a la carte menu available in the restaurant -

Tel: 061 364861 • www.durtynellys.ie • Email: info@durtynellys.ie Durty Nelly’s, Bunratty, Co Clare 233261_2L_DURTYNELLYS_JR_DROM.indd 1

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Nurturing the best of Irish Taste the fruits of our labour Clash Industrial Estate, Tralee, Co. Kerry T: 066 7126744 F: 066 7126842 www.totalproduce.com

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www.totalproduce.com 06/01/2015 10:00

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 061363447  rita@gleesonjewellers.com facebook.com/GleesonJewellers Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co Clare.

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06/01/2015 10:54

Welcome to GALLAG

HERS

AWAR D G WI N N IOND

of BEST GASTRO

&

S E A F O O D R E S TA U R A N T

WINNER OF

S EAFO RANT PUB IN CLARE R E STAU 2013

bunratty

"Where a warm welcome and excellence is our tradition" Bunratty, Co. Clare In the heart of historical Bunratty, you will find our award winning seafood restaurant Gallaghers. With its thatched roof and old world relaxed charm, come and enjoy a spectacular candlelight dinner with family and friends.

Or try J.P.Clarke’s next door, a rustic country pub featuring reclaimed sandstone floors, timber beams with brick and stone walls.

The atmosphere in both Gallaghers and Clarke’s is relaxed, friendly and informal, while the overall impression is

of a pub and restaurant that are both comfortable and rustic. It is our attention to detail and high level of service that ensures your whole dining experience will be truly memorable.

Gallaghers is open 5.30pm to 9.30pm every evening and 12.30pm to 3.00pm for Sunday lunch.

Along with the extensive a la carte menu is the great value “Wine and Dine Menu” – a four course meal for two with a bottle of house wine for 65.

J.P.Clarkes serves great quality food all day from 12.00 pm to 9.30pm.

Tel. 061 363 363 for reservations • www.gallaghersofbunratty.com 233333_2L_GALLAGHERS_JR_DROM.indd 1

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Irish music. Dominating the city’s architecture is the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which was opened in 1965 and built of limestone with floors of Connemara marble. In contrast, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas was founded in 1320, later enlarged, and subsequently plundered by Oliver Cromwell. It contains many fine carvings and medieval relics.

Lynch’s Castle, built around 1600, is now used as a bank, but anyone can walk in and admire its wellpreserved fireplaces. The outside walls are decorated with several coats of arms. Nearby is the Lynch Memorial, a marble stone set in a wall that was part of the old jail. According to legend, the memorial commemorates the spot where the chief magistrate, James Lynch FitzStephen, executed his own son in the 16th century for the murder of a Spaniard who caught the fancy of the young man’s girlfriend. At the mouth of the Corrib River stands the Spanish Arch, one of several architectural reminders of the city’s old Galway City.

links with Spain. The arch was one of four built in 1594 as part of a wall protecting the port.

They say that Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord,

“They say that Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, is large enough to hold the entire fleet of any of the world’s navies.”

reaches of undulating hills and soaring mountains; of

is large enough to hold the entire fleet of any of the

plunging waterfalls and wide, charging rivers, plashy

world’s navies. The stark beauty of Connemara

streams and limpid rills; of cliffs that rise straight up

remains, with some of Ireland’s best walking in the

out of the sea, of windswept, sand-blonde strands

wild folding hills and valleys filled with yellow

where cows and sheep and donkeys roam or stand,

bladderwort and white-headed sedge. At the

looking off into the distance at the humps of the

seaward end of Killary is a tiny jetty and a small

fabulous offshore islands, some of them spectral –

hostel where the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein

visible, it is said, only once in seven years.

spent the summer of 1948, inspired by the solitude

Upon all these marvels you gaze with a kind of

and proximity of the steep heather-clad slopes.

incredulous wonder – a wonder born anew with every

Around the tip of the bay the beaches of Renvyle

breath you take, for nothing stays fixed to your view of

and Glassilaun are swathes of white sand, as perfect

it for more than a moment: that remote, sky-touching

as any in the Western Isles. Places fit for thinking.

escarpment, the sight of which thrilled you but an

Kylemore Abbey is a madly picturesque 19th

instant ago, is, when you turn your eyes back to it,

century castle tucked beneath the Twelve Bens

gone – disappeared into a mass of purple clouds.

mountain chain. You can wander the lavishly

Although Galway is Ireland’s third largest city, it

designed rooms and ponder the sad story of its

is more of a village than a megalopolis. Despite its

original owners. The castle was built by a wealthy

size (with a population of about 70,000 inhabitants),

London doctor as a wedding gift to his wife, on the

Galway is rich in cuisine and culture, and fabulously

spot where they had honeymooned; six years later

wealthy when it comes to good cheer and traditional

she was dead. Today, you can visit the exquisite

Killary Harbour, County Sligo Into the West n 33

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The Burren, Co.unty Clare

This stark landscape of Megalithic tombs, caverns and castles, craggy lunarlike rocks and the most unusual flora in the country takes its name from the Gaelic ‘boirinn’, meaning ‘stony area’.”

miniature cathedral her husband had built in her

words are cut: “Cast a cold eye/ On life, on death/

memory, a short walk from the castle.

Horseman, pass by.” The gravesite itself is a

Finish up in Roundstone, the kind of unspoiled

resounding disappointment, surprisingly unattractive

fishing village a set designer might dream up,

and unexceptional. But the view from the

with nets slung photogenically over docks, pastel

churchyard is the powerful embodiment of Yeats’

buildings perched on hillsides and endless vistas of

words. Gnarled trees rise above the stone walls

the sea and mountains.

of the yard, which are largely overgrown with lush

SLIGO

bushes. Through the boughs of the trees the purple facade of Ben Bulben stands clear. On the other

There’s poetry in Sligo’s landscape. The Yeats

side of the church is a cemetery with a dramatic

brothers, poet and painter: you can’t escape them in

high cross that dates from the 11th century. Carved

Sligo, the backwoods county they raised from 19th

of stone, its chiselled images show scenes from the

century obscurity to 20th century renown. It was

Bible: the serpent tempting Eve, the Magi bearing

William who told the world about the Sligo legends

gifts and Daniel in the lion’s den. The cross and its

of Knocknarea, where rapacious Queen Maeve lies buried, and of Benbulben, on whose slopes the hero Fionn MacCumhaill took a deadly revenge on Diarmuid, who had cuckolded him. Jack, meanwhile, put ghosts and mysteries into Sligo fair days and donkey races with his paintbrush.

At Carrowmore, spread across a number of fields, is the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. Even for Sligo, so rich in prehistoric tombs, circles and standing stones, this is an astonishing and haunting place. Here, circles, others fine, handsome chambered graves with giant capstones. Some say this is where the last of the Firbolg were buried, when those original natives of Ireland were wiped out in a great battle.

In the last year of his life, Yeats had written his epitaph as the last verse of the poem ‘Ben Bulben’.

He is laid in Drumcliff and by his command these

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

lie 30-odd stone tombs, some of them rudimentary

34 n Into the West

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Although man has made his stamp over the centuries, constructing towers and trampling over well-worn paths, the impact of humans is diminished by the scale and grandeur of the cliffs (of Moher).”

decorative work have survived nearly a millennium

exposed limestone never seems to vary much from

of rain and wind intact.

place to place, yet no two sequences are identical.

CLARE

atmosphere of mystery. Silence prevails, except

Anyone who associates Ireland with all things green

for the ever-present wind; one has the feeling of

may be startled by the Burren, a limestone plateau that

trespassing on the preserve of prehistoric ghosts.

covers northern Clare. Rather than rich rolling hills, it

Almost 350 years ago, General Ludlow, the officer

has a gray, timeless austerity. This stark landscape of

in charge of Cromwell’s forces in County Clare,

megalithic tombs, caverns and castles, craggy lunarlike

dismissed the Burren as a place “yielding neither

rocks and the most unusual flora in the country takes its

water enough to drown a man, nor a tree to hang

name from the Gaelic boirinn, meaning ‘stony area’.

him, nor soil enough to bury him”. A more accurate

The eerie and empty expanse radiates an

Unlike the topography of the rest of Ireland,

image may be found in the name of the ruins of a

there are no bogs and few pastures. The limestone

local abbey at Corcomroe, Sancta Maria de Petra

is deeply fissured, and most streams and rivers have

Fertilis – Saint Mary of the Fertile Rock. This seeming

gone underground. The only lakes are known as

contradiction is a fitting characterisation for a place

turloughs, hollows that fill up after a heavy rainfall

both fruitful and barren.

saturates the underground systems and then

Limestone-loving plants like foxgloves and

evaporate after a few dry days. With few prominent

rock roses flourish alongside plants usually more

landmarks, the Burren’s landscape appears to stretch

at home in acidic habitats. Alpine species like

in an endless series of bare, irregularly shaped

mountain avens customarily found on the high

stones, dry and treeless.

mountains of Europe thrive, while the warmth stored

The scene is not monotonous, however, changing

in the rocks supports varieties like maidenhair ferns

by the hour and by the season. Stone that glistens

usually seen along the Mediterranean and warm

a dusky gray after a spring rainstorm is an intense

Atlantic coasts of southwest Europe.

bone white in summer sunshine. Ever-shifting clouds dapple the rock-fields with shadows. The bare

The towering Cliffs of Moher form the outer edge of the Burren – over five miles of dark sandstone rising 600 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. One of Ireland’s most popular natural features, the cliffs are pure, raw nature: the wind sweeps in from the Atlantic; diverse species of plants thrive side by side in the crevices.

Although man has made his stamp over the centuries, constructing towers and trampling over well-worn paths, the impact of humans is diminished by the scale and grandeur of the cliffs. But even on a sunny day, when the visitor is hard-pressed to find space in the large parking lot and several tour buses have discharged their passengers, one can stand at the top of these majestic cliffs and briefly leave civilisation behind. On clear days the panoramic views from O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien, a local landowner, sweep from the Kerry Mountains to the south past the Aran Islands to the purple mountains of Connemara.

Into the West n 35

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istockphoto.com/alantobey

“Your long walks will be filled with the smell of clover on the sea air, the friendly salutations of everyone you meet and the sensation of having travelled back to a kinder, gentler past.”

There are more than 60 Stone Age tombs

longing, then, summoned into being by lookouts

scattered throughout the Burren, the most striking

hungry for sight of land. If mountains and deserts

of which is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, clearly visible

have been the landforms on to which we have

from the road from Lemaneagh to Ballyvaughan.

projected our fears (there be dragons), islands

The structure at Poulnabrone is a portal dolmen, a

have forever condensed our desires for escape,

form of chambered tomb consisting of a huge stone

for isolation, for simplicity, for noble savagery.

roofing slab balanced upon massive side and back

Have your own Robinson Crusoe adventure island-

stones. The name dolmen comes from two Breton

hopping on Ireland’s wild western isles.

words meaning stone table. Two hundred years ago

The playwright John M. Synge, put the wild,

local people would have called it a Druid’s altar.

intensely Irish Aran islands, 30 miles off the

Irish mythology attributes to dolmen the function

country’s west coast, on the map in 1907, and during

of nocturnal shelters for the lovers Diarmuid and

the past century years, they’ve become a mythic

Gránne fleeing the anger of an elderly jealous king.

destination, especially for the Irish, who consider

Caves just beneath the Burren’s limestone

them a sort of Celtic Eden — a precious outpost of

pavement have been carved out by the flow of water

Gaelic culture unbesmirched by the long English

for over a million years. One, Aillwee Cave, a few

occupation. You can day trip onto Inis Mór, Inish

miles inland from Ballyvaughan, was opened to

Maan and Inisheer. Your long walks will be filled

the public in 1976. Here, visitors can easily explore

with the smell of clover on the sea air, the friendly

the tunnel that extends into the Burren under the

salutations of everyone you meet – it would be

yellow cliff of Aillwee. An underground river cut its

unthinkable not to greet a stranger here – and

way through the limestone to form the cave. When

the sensation of having travelled back to a kinder,

the water receded, the cave served as shelter for

gentler past.

wildlife, and evidence of its use as a hibernation

There is an island for every day of the year in

site can be found in the hollowed-out pits near the

Clew Bay and Clare is the largest. The feisty Grace

entrance that contain the bones of a brown bear, a

O’Malley ruled these 15 square miles in the 16th

species extinct in Ireland for centuries.

century, sheltering her private fleet in the bays and

For the more worldly-minded there are plenty

striding about to watch for rival pirates. Follow her

of ‘medieval banquets’. Knappogue Castle, north of

footsteps taking in the fine lighthouse, bog flora,

Bunratty, is a fine high 15th century hulk, set amid

Ireland’s fourth largest gannetry and Europe’s

rolling fields. It has been beautifully restored with

finest medieval murals.

massive period furniture and sober stone walls. Here,

The 12th century Cistercian abbey is an

the nightly banquet ends with a customed pageant

imposing structure with Gothic windows in the

of Irish history in music and song, very well done by a

shape of lighting candles. Inside, is the tomb of the

partly professional cast and throbbingly patriotic.

pirate queen. Some of Europe’s finest medieval

ISLAND HOPPING

murals watch over Grace; a dragon, griffins, preying wolves, hounds, harpers, cattle raiders and a

British maps from the 19th century included more

Norman knight climb up the walls and across the

than 200 Irish islands that are now known not to

chapel’s ceiling. The russet and crimson paint has

exist. Think about it – an imaginary archipelago,

faded and too much is missing to decipher what

a scatter of dream islands that sneaked past the

story the imagery told. Unadvertised, untended

sober men at the Hydrographic Office and on to

and largely unvisited, the paintings are really

the world’s most definitive sea charts. Visions of

astonishing.

36 n Into the West

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istockphoto.com/alantobey

The Perfect Day Out

L Serving Dromoland Castle guests for over 20 years

ocated in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, built as a castle in 1867 has a history of romance, tragedy, innovation and imagination. Learn about the lives of those who lived here, from the fabulously wealthy social reformer ‘Mitchell Henry to the dashing Duke of Manchester and later privileged school girls from around the world. Home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920, it has become a place of spirituality and contemplation. Explore our magical 1,000 acre estate for an unforgettable and unique experience.

Six Acre Victorian Walled Garden | Woodland Walks | Nature Trails History Talks & Guided Tours | Restaurant | Garden Tea House Craft and Design Shop | Pottery Studio

T: +353(95) 52001 E: bookings@kylemoretourism.ie W: www.kylemoreabbey.com Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway

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OFF

Carefully selecting only the best wines, made as nature intended, for our customers both online and in our Dublin shop www.searsons.com 10A Monkstown Crescent, Dublin (01) 280 0405 233975_2L_Tundall_CMD_DROM.indd 1

Drom 27-68 2015.indd 37

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The

scenic istockphoto.com/JoeGough

R ou t e

Lorraine Courtney immerses you in the sights and sounds of the west as she takes you on a road-trip down the rugged coastline of the West of Ireland to Dromoland Castle.

I

t’s a showery April morning as we head

house that was demolished in 1941, Coole Park is a

south from Dromoland Castle to Galway city.

magical place. Lady Gregory’s Autograph Tree, an

Home to 70-plus pubs – most packed with

enormous copper beech, has preserved the carved

young people downing pints while enjoying

initials of about a dozen Irish literary greats. The

everything from traditional Irish music to folk, rock,

glorious lake provides the perfect centrepiece,

and U2 covers – this Irish university city warmly

haunted by the swans that have frequented the

embraces its medieval-meets-mod vibe. Known

place for centuries.

for its ‘Irishness’, Galway hums with a bilingual

Back on our route, we follow the coast road

English-Gaelic buzz while its Crayola-hued streets

to Ballyvaughan glimpsing stunningly fierce

are backdrops for dozens of festivals, from arts to

panoramas of shattered terraces of limestone

oysters.

spilling into a sea as gray as elephant skin.

Ever southwards, we detour to Thoor Ballylee, a

We’ve crept in from the fat midlands, into a

14th century Norman fortification, set among leafy

suddenly hushed landscape of stone walls, ruined

trees and a gurgling river. WB Yeats bought the

castles and a sense of time arrested. This is the

place for £35 in 1916 and spent more than a decade

Burren (meaning ‘rocky place’ in Irish), a unique

here writing some of the finest poetry in the English

100-square-mile plateau of naked grey limestone

language.

formed by a melting glacier over 10,000 years ago.

It is time for our picnic and seven nearby woods

“The crowning joy of Corofin though is the glittering Lake Inchiquin, a lovely expanse of water, beloved of balladists.”

The towns’ names themselves might be fragments

whispering by a lakeshore provide the perfect spot.

from a poet’s work-in-progress: Tubber, Corofin,

Even without the literary associations, and the great

Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna. You might have heard that

38 n The Scenic Route

Drom 27-68 2015.indd 38

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in the wild west of Ireland, where men are men and

enigmatic Lady of Inchiquin, who appears every May

women are scarce, raucous crowds descend on the

Day in the guise of a swan.

Back on the road, we decide to bypass the bustle

sedate, sulphurous town of Lisdoonvarna for an annual matchmaking festival. Lisdoonvarna is a place

of Ennis, Clare’s capital, and head straight for the

with a somewhat frontier feel about it, a spa town, a

Gothic magic of castellated Dromoland Castle. It

narrow strip rising up over a hill with a healing well

stands at the end of a curved drive past a walled

at one end and a Catholic church at the other. Every

garden and lake. Inside, Domoland is all panelled

September, farmers, their harvests saved, arrive

corridors, tasselled drapes, Empire furnishings and

in the ebbing light to secure the final necessity for

Canovas wallpaper.

We’re just in time for a sumptuous afternoon

winter: a woman.

We stop off next in Kilfenora where the tiniest

tea with sandwiches of the Cratloe woods’ sheep’s

medieval cathedral awaits. The nave is still used for

cheese served on china. It’s the perfect end to the perfect mother-and-daughter getaway.

Lough Mask

Ballinrobe

Tour the Ashford WildCastle AtlanticHotel Way

N84 Tuam

Lough Comb

N17 N6

istockphoto.com/medieval

istockphoto.com/JoeGough

N59

Athenry Coole Park Galway City

Oranmore

N67 Ballyvaughan Carron

Galway Bay, County Galway

The Burren

“Known for its ‘Irishness’, Galway hums with a bilingual EnglishGaelic buzz while its Crayola-hued streets are backdrops for dozens of festivals, from arts to oysters.”

Gort Yeats Tower

Lisdoonvarna

Kilfenora

Corofin

N18

N85 Ennis services while the roofless chancel radiates stillness

Newmarket on Fergus

and mystery. Two identical stone carvings, apparently the head of a bishop, have a vaguely Egyptian air. It is

Dromoland Castle Hotel

also the home of the renowned Kilfenora Ceili Band.

Corofin is the next stop and here within a twomile area you can follow a marked archaeological trail and visit the Dysert O’Dea Castle, St Tola’s

Shannon

Church, with its 11th century round tower, an intricately carved high stone cross, a holy well, several stone forts, more churches and a lodge.

Also nearby is Lemaneagh Castle. The crowning joy of Corofin though is the glittering Lake Inchiquin, a lovely expanse of water, beloved of balladists. The guardian of the lake, according to local lore, is the

The Scenic Route n 39

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Paddy Burke’s (Est. 1850) Home of the world famous Clarenbridge Oyster Festival

Deliciously fresh Atlantic seafood, succulent Clarenbridge oysters and tender Irish beef, all served in the cosy, warm atmosphere which Paddy Burkes is renowned for.

Perfect for dinner in our restaurant or a leisurely lunch in the bar, sporting events, special occasions or just a pint of traditional stout.

Paddy Burkes Oyster Inn Clarenbridge Co. Galway Tel: 091 796 226 Email: info@paddyburkesgalway.com

www.paddyburkesgalway.com

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BARRATT TOURS

Contact us today to discuss your travel requirements.

We will be delighted to hear from you.

• Conference & Corporate Travel • Custom tours and Transfers • Provision of vehicles for TV/Film industry Day tours to: • Cliffs of Moher & The Burren • Cork & Blarney Castle

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Savour the

T a ste s W e st of the

The west of Ireland is well-known for its rugged landscape and beautiful scenery, matched equally by its wonderful culture and friendly locals. Its beauty and culture are surpassed only by the delicious produce that has marked its place on the global food map. Dee Laffan brings you on a whistle-stop tour of the places to visit to take a bite out of the West.

I

reland’s culinary delights need no

it, explore the region’s many food markets and

introduction; for years now, they have been

perhaps learn how to make Irish dishes at home by

savoured by many across the world and

attending a cookery class; so make this trip your

praised for their wonderful flavours that echo

very own Irish food trail.

a rich cultural history. For decades, the island of Ireland has been visited for its great scenic beauty,

PRODUCER’S PARADISE

leisure activities including golfing, surfing and spa

Take a trip to any local shop in the West of Ireland

resorts; for its rolling landscapes chequered with

and you will notice the large volume of locally-

landmark heritage sites; its luxurious castles and

grown or produced foods available. These foods

manor houses and, of course, the infamous Irish

vary from fruit and vegetables, fish and meats, to

welcome. Now, it has been pinned firmly on the

cheeses, baked goods, jams and chutneys and other

map for its menu of award-winning producers,

delicious delicacies. In Ireland, there is a dedicated

restaurants, chefs, gourmet food shops, cookery

focus on using food that can be traced from farm to

schools, farmers’ markets and food festivals.

fork and ensuring that what appears on the plate is

The West of Ireland is a perfect example of where old traditions have married with the new

Irish and, therefore, of a high standard and quality, but also helping to support our local producers.

‘foodie revival’ and there are culinary journeys around every turn. While you are staying here, this

FROM FARM TO FORK

vast food trail is on your doorstep just waiting to be

Ireland’s famous green countryside is beholden to

discovered. You can enjoy exquisite dining, taste

its agricultural heritage. It is no surprise then that we

local produce and meet the people who make

produce some of the finest meat and dairy produce Savour the Tastes of the West n 41

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in Europe. Driving around the West, you will be

many cheesemongers have been awarded for their

surrounded by green fields with cows and sheep

produce. There are cheesemongers scattered across

grazing. In fact, the sheep often wander as they please

the country and all with their unique style and taste.

and can cause traffic jams on smaller roads, which you

Some farms are open to visitors so you can see how

may come across on your journey!

the cheese is made and give a try too.

Beef, pork, chicken and lamb are always on the menu as they feature greatly in Ireland’s traditional

BÉAL ORGANIC CHEESES

dishes such as chicken casserole, lamb stew, roast

Located in a neighbouring county, Béal Organic

beef, bacon and cabbage, or shepherd’s pie. But you

Cheese in Listowel, County Kerry is produced with

will see game and fowl featuring on menus too, with

vegetarian rennet from milk from the farms Holstein

appearances from venison, wild boar, quail, duck and

cows. From mild organic cheddar to raw milk

pheasant. Traditional Irish dishes are very popular and

handmade cheese, there are a variety of products,

remain a staple on most Irish dinner tables at least

while the quality is consistent throughout. (www.

once a week, while you will also be able to sample the

bealorganiccheese.com)

“In Ireland, there is a dedicated focus on using food that can be traced from farm to fork and ensuring that what appears on the plate is Irish and, therefore, of a high standard and quality, but also helping to support our local producers.”

finest modern Irish cuisine. An experience to try at least once during your visit is the infamous Irish breakfast,

ST TOLA HANDMADE CHEESES

providing all of your recommended five-a-day (starch,

A short distance away in Inagh, County Clare,

fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy) in one meal!

St Tola cheese is made from a herd comprising

While the French or Italians may traditionally

Toggenburg, Saanen and British Alpine goats.

be associated with gourmet cheeses, Ireland has

Their handmade cheeses have a distinctive flavour

of late developed good credentials in this area as

due to the organic environment in which the goats are reared and their focus and passion for organic farming guarantees a high quality product. (www. st-tola.ie)

THE SEAFOOD CIRCLE The West of Ireland’s dramatic coastline is synonymous with the seafood that is pulled from its waters and there is certainly plenty of choice; mussels, oysters, salmon and cod are among a few of the many fruits of the Atlantic Ocean. You can really appreciate the standard of seafood as you dine out in cafés and restaurants in this region where seafood is consistently a favourite dish, whether it be seafood chowder, fresh crab salad, or steamed mussels in a white wine sauce.

Plus there are lots of products to bring home, such as smoked salmon and seaweed.

BURREN SMOKEHOUSE & VISITOR CENTRE This family-run business carefully sources quality Irish raw materials to produce their superb smoked salmon, mackerel, trout and eel in their award-winning

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traditional smokehouse. They also smoke carefully selected cheeses from one of Clare’s renowned cheese makers. Their organic smoked salmon comes from Clare Island, County Mayo, while premium smoked salmon is from Donegal. One of the best things about the Burren Smokehouse is that anyone can drop into their visitor centre and gourmet food shop and learn about Irish salmon, how it is filleted and smoked and, best of all, sample their delicious smoked salmon! (www.burrensmokehouse.ie)

LOTIDE GORMET FOODS This unique company is located in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo where seaweed harvesting is part of a long local history. Seaweed is distinguished as having great nutritional value and LoTide’s Sea Vegetables provide these benefits and also taste great. Their products include natural dillisk, which has a lovely nut-like taste, Irish carageen moss, which is a great booster for the immune system, Atlantic wakame, which tastes very similar to rocket, Atlantic sea spaghetti, sea asparagus and kombu, which is used as a stock vegetable. They also sell a seaweed bath mix which when added to hot water reproduces a therapeutic experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and your skin revitalised. (www.lo-tide.com)

CONNEMARA SMOKEHOUSE & VISITOR CENTRE

disappointed either as there are many

This smokehouse manufactures handmade high

chocolatiers and food shops that sell Irish

quality seafood in a traditional way, specialising in wild

handmade chocolates, including Lorge

smoked salmon. Their products are made using only

Chocolatier, Kenmare, County Kerry; Wilde Irish

fish, salt, smoke, herbs, sugar, honey and Irish whiskey

Chocolates, Tuamgraney, County Clare; Mella’s

and no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. They

Fudge, Clonakility, County Cork and Marlene’s

source their wild salmon locally, organic salmon from

Chocolate Haven, County Mayo.

For chocolate lovers, you will not be

Clare Island and farmed salmon from selected small farms on the west coast of Ireland. Their products

FARMER’S MARKETS

include traditional smoked salmon, gravadlax,

While the tradition of local town markets is not

honey-roast smoked salmon, roast smoked salmon,

uncommon in Irish history, the farmers’ markets

smoked tuna, honey-roast smoked tuna, and plain and

trend has driven an increase in the number taking

peppered smoked mackerel.

place across the countryside. Most towns now have a market one day a week with a collection of

A SWEET TOOTH

locally-grown or manufactured produce for sale.

Allow yourself some indulgence while on holiday;

The atmosphere of a local market is something

on a food trail in the West you will stumble upon

very special as people bustle around stalls filled

artisan producers who specialise in gourmet

with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy

luxury foods such as ice-cream, handmade

produce, freshly baked breads, art and crafts.

chocolates, cakes and delicious tarts filled with

Our agricultural heritage includes a long

fresh seasonal fruit. A favourite dessert in Ireland

history of fruit and vegetable farmers; including

is apple pie and you will spot these frequently

commonly- grown vegetables such as potatoes,

on menus in cafés and restaurants. Order it hot

broccoli, carrots, turnips, peas, asparagus,

served with ice-cream and it will go down a treat.

cauliflower, rhubarb, cabbage, and many more.

We are fortunate to have so many excellent ice-

Fruits that are grown include apples, raspberries

cream makers and while travelling through County

and blackberries, blackcurrants, and, of course,

Clare you will be able to sample Linnalla Pure Irish

strawberries. There are many strawberry farms

Ice-Cream (www.linnalla.com). Produced in the

in Ireland and if you truly want to experience an

Burren, this ice-cream is made with no artificial

age-old tradition, you can spend a day picking

additives, preservatives and flavourings which gives

strawberries. Strawberries are in season from

it a superior taste.

May throughout the summer months and there is Savour the Tastes of the West n 43

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Irish strawberry, especially if you have spent the

CLARENBRIDGE OYSTER FESTIVAL

day picking them!

Another excellent annual oyster festival, it has

nothing as great as the delicately sweet taste of an

for many years been established as a premier

CELEBRATING LOCAL FOOD

event of top-class international entertainment

Throughout the year, there are food events and

accompanied by fine culinary delights. It

festivals on across the country. These are a great

represents all that is good about life, namely

chance for you to have fun, experience Ireland’s

good company, food, entertainment, great

festive culture first-hand and celebrate Irish food with

craic and, of course, great Guinness! (www.

locals and other visitors alike.

clarenbridge.com)

GALWAY INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL

WESTPORT FOOD FESTIVAL

You don’t have to enjoy eating oysters to partake in

evening events in and around chosen venues

the fun and antics of the Galway International Oyster

across Westport Town, Murrisk and the Quays

Festival, but it helps. And, if you have yet to try one of

with activities to suit all. A food village, wine and

these seafood delicacies, there is no better place to

cheese tastings, cookery demonstrations and

do it than at this festival which showcases the finest

workshops such as seafood foraging, are just a

Irish oysters. Plus, with benefits claiming to boost

few of the event’s highlights and with its stunning

your libido and their best accompaniment being a

coastal location it is a great weekend all round.

The family-friendly festival incorporates day and

pint of Guinness, it would be a shame not to try one! (www.galwayoysterfest.com)

A HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE If sampling all of our fine food is not enough and you want to really get to grips with the Irish menu, then taking a cookery class while you are here in the West of Ireland will certainly ensure you are able to savour the best of Ireland’s menu at home.

BUNRATTY COOKERY SCHOOL, COUNTY CLARE This school offers a wide variety of courses designed to cater for every level. All the courses are delivered by professional chef and owner Donnagh Gregson.

From barbecuing and roasting to baking desserts, you will be able to create an Irish banquet by the time you are finished. (www.bunrattycookeryschool.ie)

MARJORIE’S COOKERY SCHOOL, BALLINA, COUNTY MAYO This cookery school is situated in the owner’s home, a lovely local lady who is willing to part with her secrets to creating the perfect Irish menu. (www. maejorieskitchen.net)

SOURCE SLIGO, COUNTY SLIGO This school is located in a landmark building with a restaurant and wine bar and you can learn to cook beautiful meals with locally sourced ingredients with beautiful views of Benbulben mountain as a backdrop. (www.sourcesligo.ie)

BERRY LODGE, COUNTY CLARE A warm welcome and tailormade short courses are what you will find in the family home and cookery school at Berry Lodge. Courses include ‘a taste of Irish cooking’ and ‘one pot wonders’. (www.berrylodge.com)

44 n Savour the Tastes of the West

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Much of the material in the Centre, including photographs, maps, genealogical resources and local history, has been digitised and is freely available online on the Clare County Library website at: www.clarelibrary.ie

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The of Things

Shape

to Come

Emer Taaffe examines the Irish craft industry and discovers why, despite the recession, Irish craftspeople are hopeful for the future of one of Ireland’s most important exports.

I

rish crafts are a fascinating mixture of old and new: traditional techniques and local materials are used to create objects that are not only beautiful, but often startlingly

contemporary. No matter where you visit in Ireland, you’ll find traditional knitwear, pottery and crystal sitting comfortably alongside ultra-modern jewellery and sculpture, mostly made using skills that haven’t changed in generations.

NATURAL INSPIRATION The West of Ireland is home to a particularly vibrant community of craftspeople. For many of

of the most picturesque places in the world.

them, the rugged landscape, dramatic coastline

This has an added advantage of contributing to

and endless skies are a fertile source of inspiration.

the rural economy of the West of Ireland. The

The colours, shapes and textures found in the

cottage industries typical of the crafts sector are

natural world can be clearly seen in many of the

sustainable in isolated rural communities that are

crafts created here. “Most of my work relates to

considered unsuitable for larger manufacturing

plant structures and astrology so whether I’m

or service industries. They also make a significant

looking up at the heavens or down at the earth, I

contribution to the rural development and social

am inspired,” says Sligo-based jewellery designer

life of areas that have lost much of their population

Martina Hamilton. “With nature all around me, it’s

to emigration or the employment opportunities of

hard not to be creative.” The Atlantic Ocean plays

cities like Galway, Cork and Dublin.

The Irish crafts industry is estimated to be

all sorts of energy and ideas and often interesting

worth €178 million a year, but its value to the

rocks shells or plants begin the process of design

beleaguered Irish economy is even greater

all over again,” she says.

when one takes into account the employment

However, nature offers more than inspiration

opportunities it provides. It is estimated that almost

in the West. Beth Moran, of Ballytoughey Loom

6,000 people are employed full-time in the crafts

on Clare Island, County Mayo, uses wool from her

industry.

own flock of sheep to create a range of homespun

In order to support this important sector, the

and naturally dyed rugs. Meanwhile, basketmaker

Craft Council of Ireland (CCoI) was established to

Joe Hogan grows the willow he uses to create his

provide support and training to craftspeople and to

stunning range of indigenous Irish baskets.

foster the growth of the Irish crafts industry. One of the founding tenets of the council is that Irish crafts

FUELLING THE ECONOMY

have a cultural and social significance and the

For many craftspeople, their profession gives

industry that produces them is a custodian of part

them the opportunity to live and work in some

of our Irish cultural identity. This is of fundamental

Piece by Joe Hogan, basket-weaver (courtesy of CCoI)

an important role in her work. “I find the tides bring

46 n Irish Crafts

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“By producing objects that are unique, culturally authentic, beautiful and well made, Irish craftspeople can gain an important competitive advantage over their rivals.”

importance when it comes to promoting Irish crafts

craft as an exciting and viable profession. As part

in a market battered by

of the celebrations, An Post, the national post

economic recession.

office has issued a special stamp series celebrating

Martina, who owns The Cat and The Moon, the Sligo-based craft boutique and gallery, in addition

contemporary craft in Ireland.

The long-term benefit of the Council initiatives

to being a jewellery designer says: “We buy our

and popularity of the internet as a means of

stock from hundreds of small Irish craft workers,

buying and selling crafts is that Irish crafts are now

many who are employers themselves and we have

reaching a wider audience than ever before. Now,

never been more sensitive to the vulnerability of

people who never have the opportunity to visit this

these highly skilled craftspeople.” But opportunity

beautiful country can still own a little bit of Ireland

is never far away. “Because consumers are now

by investing in a unique piece of Irish craft.

very conscious of buying Irish to help secure local jobs, I see a chance to draw greater attention to the talent of Irish craft workers.”

CRAFTING THE FUTURE Woodturner Douglas Colvin points out that in spite of the recession, the craft industry is not taking anything lying down. “People don’t have the same resources now to invest in craft and the recession is hitting the craft industry pretty hard but woodturning in Ireland is fairly vibrant,” he says, “and there are a good number of younger people involved. A lot of effort goes into passing on this craft.”

The fact remains that Irish crafts are vying

SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO BUYING IRISH CRAFTS

with cheap, mass-produced imports in a difficult

For those of you currently enjoying the famous

market. To succeed, they need to ‘add value’.

hospitality of the West of Ireland, there are

By producing objects that are unique, culturally

fantastic shopping opportunities to enjoy. Most

authentic, beautiful and well made, Irish

craftspeople rely on craft shops and department

craftspeople can gain an important competitive

stores to showcase their work. From the consumer

advantage over their rivals. Having a unique

point of view, this has the benefit of being like a

‘story’ doesn’t hurt either.

Columbian-born jewellery designer Victoria Foutz’s involvement in the craft industry began over ten years ago while she was working in the Italian film industry as a wardrobe design

craft shopping centre with a wide variety of crafts all under the one roof. And if you’re interested in a serious shopping trip, it’s hard to beat cities like Galway or Limerick, which offer an unsurpassed range of crafts, as well as other types of shopping, with all the conveniences of the modern city.

consultant. She collaborated with Monica di Bei Schifano,

1) O’Reilly Turpin

wife of the Pop Art icon, Mario

O’Reilly Turpin in Westport has a well-deserved

Schifano, on the design and

reputation for supporting Irish craft, and has been

marketing of a signature line of

chosen by the CCoI as one of the showcase shops

bijoux and eclectic jewellery and never

for Irish craft and design. It stocks a wonderful range

looked back. One of her Celtic pieces

of jewellery, ceramics, wood and metalwork and

was commissioned for the Broadway

beautiful coloured glass. Well worth a visit while

opening of ‘Riverdance’ and actress

you’re soaking up that special Westport atmosphere.

Kate Hudson and West End star Rebecca Storm are both fans.

The CCoI is instrumental in selling the Irish crafts industry at home

2) Doolin Crafts Centre In Doolin, County Clare, you’ll find one of the best loved craft shops in Ireland. They have it

and abroad. Buyers from all over

all: sweaters, scarves, jewellery, pottery, leather,

the world come to Dublin each

fine prints – the list goes on. Everything here is

January to attend Showcase, an

‘uniquely Irish and uniquely beautiful’. And when

exhibition of Irish craft, gifts,

you’ve exhausted your credit card, you can retreat

fashion and interior design.

to the Art Café to enjoy the wonderful homemade

2011 was designated ‘Year

food or enjoy the beautiful gardens.

of Crafts’ by the CCoI, which contribution that the craft

3) Ceardlann Spiddal Craft & Design Studios

sector makes to the economy

Ceardlann Spiddal Craft & Design Studios in County

and promote working in

Galway, offers visitors to this small Galway village the

will highlight the important

Irish Crafts n 47

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chance to see crafts actually being made and gives

gifts and art supplies in the shop, or enjoy some

them a rare opportunity to buy unique handmade

refreshments in the artist’s salon, while soaking up

gifts directly from the skilled artisans themselves.

the creativity or watching an artist at work.

The centre boasts a range of workshops, including

Follow the craft trail

candlemaking, leatherwork, pottery, screen printing,

Observe native Irish craftspeople in their natural

weaving, Celtic jewellery, bodhrán making, wood

habitat. Follow one of the West of Ireland’s

turning as well as a great coffee shop.

meandering craft trails and see for yourself how these artists draw their inspiration and creativity

Experience Irish crafts

from their environment. The perfect way to

A lot of craft businesses open their studios and

combine sight seeing, shopping, and a real Irish

sell directly to the public. Paying a visit to any of

craft experience.

these studios gives you a great opportunity to meet the craftspeople themselves, discuss their work,

Lough Derg Craft Trail

commission original pieces and enjoy a tour of

Local craftspeople around Lough Derg created the

the studio. It’s a unique experience that offers a

Lough Derg Craft Trail to showcase their impressive

genuine glimpse into the life of the artist.

skills and highlight the local leisure activities and restaurants. All of the workshops on the craft trail are

Lina Stein

open to the public and visitors are welcome to come in

Fancy becoming a hat designer for the day? Then

and see the artisans at work. The trail stretches along

make sure you visit the studio of well-known

the western shore of Lough Derg from Portumna in the

Westport milliner, Lina Stein. Her flamboyant and

north through the boglands to Killaloe, then westwards

extravagant creations have earned her a reputation

to the traditional music centre of Feakle, and on to

as a leading light in Irish millinery and her hats

Mountshannon and Tuamgraney.

have drawn admiring glances from Stuttgart to Los Angeles. Lina runs hat-making workshops in

Sligo Craft Trail

her studio and delights in passing on her skills

The Made in Sligo Craft Trail Twelve includes 12

to hat lovers like herself. Her courses cater to

craft studios which produce ceramics, jewellery,

all standards, so whether you’re a beginner who

sculpture, stained glass, watercolours and

doesn’t know a fascinator from a fedora or an old

photography. It’s a unique opportunity to see highly

pro who wants to pick up a few tips from the expert,

skilled, stylish and imaginative craftspeople at

this is a wonderful chance to create something

work, to meet them, hear their stories, and share

unique to remember your holiday.

their inspiration. And as each of the studios is close to a prominent Sligo landmark or visitor attraction,

The Burren Perfumery

it’s a great way to catch up on your sight-seeing.

The Burren Perfumery is happily situated in one of the most unique floral landscapes in the world. It

Loop Head Craft Trail

produces a range of natural aromatherapy products

Like a crooked finger pointing out into the

and fragrances using traditional methods like

Atlantic Ocean, Loop Head in County Clare is a

steam distillation and hand bottling. Nature lovers

place of stunning natural beauty. It is also home

will be in awe of the perfumery’s organic herb

to an eclectic and enterprising mix of painters,

garden, which is a wonderland of native organic

photographers and sculptors who have come

herbs used in the handmade soaps and organic

together to form the Loop Head Craft Trail. Visit

aromatherapy products. And if you’re the curious

their studios, look at their work and then just look

type, friendly staff members are on hand to give

around you to see the environment that inspires

you a tour of the different processes involved and

such creativity. If you’re lucky, you might even get

a sample of the luxurious end products. After all

a chance to see one of the local currach (traditional

that, you’ll be ready for a cup of tea in the relaxing

Irish boat) regattas.

tea rooms; and maybe a slice of homemade cake, just to keep your strength up.

The Painter’s Palette A must for anyone interested in art, the Painter’s Palette is a unique mix of working art studio and gallery located in the picturesque village of Moycullen in County Galway. Art classes are available for all ages and stages, so you can try your hand at painting, papermaking, papier-mâché sculpture and glass painting. You can even get your own paintings framed in the framing studio. And if that all sounds like too much hard work, your can always wander round the gallery, browse for

48 n Irish Crafts

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St. Mary’s Cathedral

IR IS H

HANDCRAFTS

St. Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 by King Donal Mor O’Brien on the site of his Palace and is the oldest building in daily use in Limerick City today. Long before that date the Vikings built their ‘Thingmote’ or meeting place on the site.

LI

M E R I C K

Irish Sweaters Mohair - Tweeds - Linens

The points of interest include a Romanesque West Door 14th Century Misericordes choir stalls, a Pre-Reformation altarstone, the leper’s squint window, and many stained glass windows and interesting monuments

A family run business with a tradition in handcrafts for 100 years.

Opening Times: 9.30am - 4.30pm Weekdays 9.30am - 1pm Saturdays (October to May)

Arthurs Quay & Patrick Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 415 504 Email: info@irishhandcraft.com www.irishhandcraft.com

Bridge Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 310293 • Fax: (061) 315721 Email: stmaryscathedralcoi@yahoo.ie

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Photo: The Lane Studios

F a i ry t a l e Come True

Picking the right wedding venue is as important as picking the right husband for many brides. Arlene Harris explains why, when it comes to your special day, a wedding in an Irish castle could be the fairytale ending you’ve been searching for.

Drom 27-68 2015.indd 51

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Photo: Colin White

T

here is nothing nicer than a wedding –

hotels in Ireland is, of course, Dromoland Castle. It is

the blushing bride, the nervous groom

situated amidst acres of luscious, green countryside

and the hosts of congratulatory friends

and is endowed with a history rich in folkore, nobility

all revelling in the warmth of romance.

and glory.

It is undoubtedly one of the most memorable occasions in anyone’s life and everyone wants their

Weddings at Dromoland Castle

‘Big Day’ to be special. But with modern life being

One of Europe’s finest castle hotels, Dromoland

what it is, there are so many options to choose from;

Castle is nestled amongst a richly rolling estate of

adventurous types can now opt to tie the knot up in

410 acres on the west coast of Ireland. Dating back to

the clouds, under the ocean or even suspended

the 16th century, the impressive Renaissance

somewhere between the two. However for some

structure was once the royal seat of the mighty

couples, a quick ceremony followed by a glass of wine

O’Brien clan and is one of the few estates which trace

and a few canapés down the local pub will do the

its history to the native Gaelic families of royal

trick.

heritage. As the ancestral home of the O’Brien clan –

However, for those couples who are looking for

who were direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High

timeless elegance, ancient tradition and sumptuous

King of Ireland – this beautiful Castle is the ideal

surroundings, there is nothing finer than a wedding

place to celebrate your nuptials and experience a

reception in one of Ireland’s greatest castle hotels.

small slice of life as king and queen of all you survey.

Castle weddings hold appeal for many reasons.

Margaret Daly is the wedding coordinator at

The experience is something out of the ordinary – the

Dromoland Castle; she has looked after countless

stately surroundings, the elegant atmosphere and

couples over the years and says apart from the

feeling of total privacy is something that most people

breathtaking surroundings both inside and outside

do not often have the chance to enjoy and when it

the Castle, most people are equally impressed with

comes to the ultimate occasion in a couple’s

the atmosphere. “Dromoland Castle is a magnificent

courtship, nothing can surpass the privilege of

historic Renaissance structure built in the 16th

celebrating with friends in the shadows of bygone

century and it provides a delightful variety of venues

royalty.

for wedding ceremonies, receptions and

Well-known celebrities such as Sir Paul

photographs,” she says. “Complemented by luxurious

McCartney, Pierce Brosnan, the Beckhams and

accommodations, grand yet welcoming common

members of Boyzone have all chosen to celebrate

areas, unparalleled service, dining selections to

their nuptials in Irish castles – proving that the stately

satisfy the most discriminating palate and

elegance of this era appeals to everyone.

recreational activities galore it would suit any style of

The magic of a castle wedding begins as soon as you enter the grounds – whether being transported in a chauffeur driven limousine or a horse-drawn

nuptials, from magnificent to intimate, traditional to informal.”

The surroundings of Dromoland Castle allow the

carriage, you will soon find yourself whisked back in

happy couple and their guests to enjoy the

time to a place where landed gentry enjoyed a level

atmosphere of a bygone era, steeped in rich history

of luxury and serenity which is often lacking in the

and presence coupled with the sumptuous luxury of

busy modern world. From the piper welcoming you

modern life. “There is a great sense of arrival for the

and your guests into the castle, to the skilled harpist

wedding party and guests as they traverse the

providing a traditional musical background, the

magical winding approach to the Castle’s Kincora

wedding party will be entertained with the highest

Gallery, with its separate entrance, vaulted ceilings

standard of service where guests can enjoy the very

and beautifully crafted floor-to-ceiling windows,” says

best of local produce and the finest wines served at

Margaret. “Our team excels in making wedding

some of the most historic tables of Europe.

dreams a reality, personalising each aspect of the

One of the grandest and most prestigious castle

celebration and attending to every detail, from

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scheduling the initial consultation to planning multi-

says Margaret. “From a pre-wedding afternoon for the

day guest itineraries. The reception receives special

bride and her mum to a makeover for the bride and

attention, of course; a wide selection of menu items

her maids – the team can even visit the bride in her

has been carefully designed to incorporate the very

room so she doesn’t have to worry about a thing.”

best of locally-sourced ingredients, allowing the bride

While the lady of the manor is being pampered, the

and groom to personalise their choices while

beautiful Castle gardens (which were based on

benefiting from the expertise and imagination of

designs by Andre Le Notre, who designed the

Executive Head Chef, David McCann,” she says. “The

gardens at Versailles) are the perfect place to relax

banquet service team offers unparalleled service as

and unwind before the big event.

well – deft and attentive but never intrusive,” Margaret adds.

In addition, every celebration is offered the

“The magic of a castle wedding begins as soon as you enter the grounds – whether being transported in a chauffeurdriven limousine or a horse-drawn carriage, you will soon find yourself whisked back in time…”

Karen Brogan was one of the lucky brides who recently celebrated her wedding at the sumptuous Castle in County Clare. “It was the most wonderful

following value-added amenities:

occasion of my life,” she says. “We got married in a

 Dromoland Castle’s commitment to hosting only

local church and then arrived at the castle in a horse

one wedding party per day;

drawn carriage – we had friends visiting from all over

 Complementary hosting in the venue of choice;

the world and they were astounded by the beauty of

 A complimentary bridal suite for the wedding night;

the grounds and the atmosphere in the Castle.”

 Complimentary personalised menus and place cards;  Specially discounted room rates for guests, and

In fact, one of Karen’s American guests was so wowed by the event that she booked her own wedding in the Castle the following year. “She fell in love with the

use of the picturesque demesne for wedding day

Castle after coming to my wedding and it’s

photography and video, including the Folly, the

understandable,” says Karen who lives locally. “It is hard

marvelous walled gardens with their ancient

to beat the experience of a wedding like this – getting

gateways, Lough Dromoland, the lawns and, of

married there was something I had always wanted to do

course, the Castle itself; and

and the day itself really lived up to my expectations.”

 The wedding team are also happy to assist in putting together individual packages to suit each couple’s requirements.

Of course weddings can be stressful, and for many brides the best way to relieve pre-wedding nerves is to indulge in a couple of hours pampering. With six treatment rooms, a relaxation room, hair design studio, manicure and pedicure booths and an outdoor hydro pool with relaxation patio at The Spa in Dromoland, there is something to soothe every brow whether before or after the ‘Big Day’. “We can tailor any spa package to suit the needs of the bridal party,”

DROMOLAND CASTLE’S WEDDING PACKAGE INCLUDES:  Welcome reception  Complimentary tea and coffee  Complimentary chair covers  Five-course set dinner menu  A half bottle of house wine  Sparkling wine toast  Service charge  A late bar exemption  Complimentary mulled wine reception (during winter months)  Complimentary personalised menus, seating plans and place cards  Complimentary venue hire  Exclusive use of the hotel grounds for photography

Recent Awards Include:

• 2013 Condé Nast Traveler, Readers’ Choice Awards, Voted No. 4 Resort in Europe.

• Good Eating Guide-Earl of Thomond-”Best Restaurant 2013”.

• Dromoland Castle Spa-Winner Irish Tatler awards-”Boutique Spa of the year”& “Best Facial” 2013.

• Fodor’s 2012 Top 100 Hotel Award in the World • Travel & Leisure Magazine – One of the Top Europes Best Resort 2012 Award • Travel & Leisure Magazine– No 1 Family Hotel in Ireland, 3rd best in Europe 2011 Awards • Condé Nast Traveler, Gold List 2011/2012 • Dromoland Castle is a proud member of Virtuoso, Signature, Altour & Fine Hotels & Resorts • Environmental Award: Green Failte Platinum Award Winner 2011/2012

Fairytale Come True n 53

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AV STAR SYSTEMS AV STAR SYSTEMS has a talented team of videographers who film weddings and events all over Ireland. All of our films are shot in HD, short highlights can be uploaded to Vimeo or Facebook for you to share with family and friends at home and abroad.

Luxury Coach & Chauffeur Drive

We provide the best of both worlds; short Highlight Clips capturing the very essence of your day and a Full Length DVD which allows for future reminiscing of what really happened on the day.

Paying great attention to detail, we will record you and your guests in an unobtrusive manner.

With 30 years of experience we are leaders in our field and endeavour to continue to guarantee quality of service and professionalism with every wedding video we deliver.

Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland Tel: +353 65 682 8234 Email: info@glynnscoaches.com Web: www.glynnscoaches.com

DROP LIZ AN EMAIL TO SEE IF YOUR DATE IS FREE! LIZ@STARSYSTEMS.IE | AV STAR SYSTEMS, LOUGHLAHAN, THURLES, CO. TIPPERARY | 0504 21073 WWW.STARSYSTEMS.IE

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Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park is situated overlooking Liscannor Bay and is much more than a fun family filled day out. This 14 acre open farm, ensures that children and adults alike have an opportunity to learn about and interact with their favourite animals in breathtaking surroundings. The many facilities and activities on the farm include: A wide variety of animals: ‘Leroy’ the llama, ‘Andy’ the alpaca and ‘Ozzie’ the ostrich and many more such as emu, deer, miniature donkeys, many different breeds of ponies and sheep, pot bellied pigs, kune kune pig, rabbits and many more.

Bouncing castle In-door and out-door go karts Ball pool All weather out-door play area Miniature golf course.

Nationwide Fireworks Email: pat@fireworks.iol.ie Tel: 053 914 5770 Mob: 087 2511491

LIEST, , THE FRIEND OPEN FARM NERS OF THE FBD LL HI R HE IN O 14.

NING M CLARE. W AWARD WIN OPEN FARM IN CO. Y AWARD 2013 AND 20 FAMILY-RUN URISM HOSPITALIT BEST TO OPENING TIMES Mon to Sat, 10am to 6pm Sunday, 12 noon to 6pm *April and October weekend opening only.

Visit Santa’s Christmas Village in December

www.irishfireworks.com

T: 065 708 1071 M: 087 225 8347 Email: moherfarm@eircom.net

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Photo: The Lane Studio

“It is hard to beat the experience of a wedding like this – getting married there was something I had always wanted to do and the day itself really lived up to my expectations.”

“We got married in March so it was a bit chilly but the Castle was so warm and inviting,” Karen recalls. “We were greeted by a piper and there was a string quartet playing at the reception where the food was superb and the service was absolutely excellent.”

“The ballroom where we had the reception was spectacular and to top it all; our bedroom was actually in a turret – it was amazing.” Karen and her husband Nigel had a wonderful start to married life and would recommend the experience to anyone. “If you want your wedding to be special, you really can’t beat this,” says Karen. “The ancient building, the beautiful surroundings, the attention to detail and the incredible service – it all came together to make the most perfect day.” And for guests staying an extra day or two, the peaceful parklands surrounding the Castle offers a wealth of activities and facilities including:  An 18 hole golf course  Well-stocked lake for fishing  Tennis  Cycling  Clay-pigeon shooting  Archery  Horse riding  Mature woodland walks which are home to a variety of native wildlife such as red deer, pheasant, partridge, pine martin and red

Dromoland Castle is located in the heart of County Clare – famous for its breathtaking scenery, traditional Irish music and excellent hospitality. It is situated 10km from Shannon, 130km from Cork and 200km from Dublin.

For more information visit www.dromoland.ie or

Photo: The Lane Studio

squirrel.

call + 353 (0) 61 700 630.

Fairytale Come True n 55

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Wedding Checklist 9-12 months before: • Make an appointment with the priest or registrar to arrange the date and time of the wedding.

• Book the reception.

• Work out a budget.

• Draw up a guest list.

• Book your photographer.

• Choose the bridesmaids, best man and ushers.

• Choose a wedding dress. If you require a specially designed dress allow four months before the big day.

• Choose and order the other outfits, including bridesmaids, groom, best man and ushers.

• Order your wedding cake.

• Book your honeymoon – the earlier the better. If you are not going off on honeymoon straight away, book accommodation for your first night after the wedding.

6-9 months before:

• Buy wedding rings.

• Draw up a wedding gift list.

• Decide your menu and wine list with the caterer.

• Discuss and decide the music and readings you’ll be having at your wedding.

• Order invitations, place cards, menus and a seating plan.

• Book the transport to the wedding venue and reception. • You’ll also need to book a car to take you to your first-night hotel or airport.

Photo: Dermot Culhane

• Find a florist and organise bouquets, buttonholes and arrangements for venue and reception.

3-6 months before: • Buy presents for bridesmaids, best man and ushers.

• Have orders of service printed.

• If you are changing your name, make sure you have your passport renewed in enough time.

• Decide on your honeymoon wardrobe.

0-3 months before: • Discuss hair and make-up with your beautician and your hairdresser.

• Book a wedding rehearsal with your church or wedding venue. This normally takes place about two to three days before your actual wedding.

• Send out your invitations about six weeks before the big day.

• Keep a list of those who have accepted and those who can’t make it.

• Try your wedding dress on to make sure it is just perfect.

• Give number of guests to the caterers.

• Draw up a seating plan.

• Order any currency you may need for your honeymoon.

• Have your night out with hens/stags.

Irish wedding folklore  Superstitious types believe that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony.  Those with a more positive outlook will encourage the couple to leave the church by a different route to which they arrived – this signifies the difference of their new life as a couple.  Chimney sweeps are a rare sight nowadays, but if a bride is kissed by one on her way to the church, she will experience good luck. 

It was considered good luck to hear a cuckoo or see three magpies on the morning of the wedding.

 After the wedding, a guest was required to toss a shoe over the bride’s head to bring good fortune to the newly wed couple.  The groom should always wish joy to the bride first to ensure a life of happiness.  Being woken on your wedding day by the sound of birds singing will bring good luck to the bride and groom. 

If you look at the sun on your way to the church to get married, your children will be beautiful.

 The bride will bring bad luck on herself if she puts on her own veil, however if a happily married woman does it for her, good luck will reign. 

In a bid to encourage fertility, the newlyweds were encouraged to drink Bunratty Meade which is made from honey and is thought to be the oldest drink in Ireland.

 Wearing a veil helps to confuse evil spirits and keep them at bay.  Tying tin cans to the wedding car will also frighten mischievous spirits away.  The last day of the year is traditionally the luckiest day in Ireland to get married. 

Horse shoes symbolise good luck and should be hung up in the house after the wedding in order to retain good fortune.

 Salt and pepper shakers are supposed to bring good luck to a newly married couple.  If the bride’s mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding cake on the bride’s head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.

And finally...

Enjoy your special day!

56 n Fairytale Come True

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Trace your

R oot s

When it comes to following your ancestry, sometimes a holiday can bring you closer to home. Antoinette O’Brien discusses the work of the Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre in connecting people with relatives past.

E

stablished in 1982, the Clare Heritage and

abroad were seeking information about their forbears.

Genealogical Centre at Church Street,

As the work progressed, Dr Cleary discovered that

Corofin, County Clare was the brainchild

bound up in the musty records was a vast store of

of a truly remarkable and acclaimed

genealogical information for which there was not only

Clareman, the late Dr Naoise Cleary. The idea took

a growing demand, but a yearning, even, from people

shape in the 1970s when Dr Cleary undertook the task

whose origins were in Ireland. He quickly became struck

of indexing the local baptismal and marriage records

with the idea that, if properly collated and indexed for

so that the parish priest might more conveniently

each of the 47 parishes throughout County Clare, this

cope with an increasing load of enquiries from

information had the potential to be turned into a very

people of Corofin ancestry overseas. It was a time

marketable product.

when people everywhere were becoming interested

This first step and a fortuitous collaboration with AnCO

in their roots and, like everybody else, Clare people

(the youth training organisation which developed over Trace your Roots n 57

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the years to become FÁS) began the painstaking task

as to where their ancestors lived, whether traces of

of transcribing approximately 500,000 individual

the family homestead survived, where the family

baptismal entries up to the year 1900, sorting them

graves might be located, and much more. The service

and reconstituting the various families in each

provided at the Clare Heritage Centre, as it came to be

parish. Next came the marriage records followed

known, attracted almost worldwide attention and was

by gleanings from birth, death and marriage notices

highlighted on television networks in Australia, the

in the Clare Journal and other newspapers, indexes

United States, Canada, England and New Zealand.

of the Tithe Applotment Land Records (1820s), the

Fruitful contacts were made, sometimes almost

Griffith Valuation Land Records (1855), the 1901 and

by chance – such as that with Professor Richard

1911 censuses, convict records covering all of Ireland,

Reid of Australia, which resulted in the acquisition

the gravestone inscriptions from more than 100

of computerised details of upwards of 6,000 Clare

graveyards in mid and north Clare, and literally every

emigrants in New South Wales between 1848 and

known source from which useful genealogical data

1870. The Clare Heritage Centre quickly became

relevant to County Clare could be extracted.

the catalyst and flagship for a number of other

All of this work took place in St Catherine’s Church which, after its closure in 1974, had been kindly

genealogical centres throughout the country.

The increase in demand for the genealogical

donated by the representative Church body to the

service at Corofin, with more and more visitors calling

Corofin Development Association for use for cultural

each year, led to further development and, in 1992,

purposes. Again with remarkable foresight, Dr Cleary

a new purpose-built centre was completed. The

decided to use this attractive space to accommodate

Interpretative Museum, however, remained in St

a thematic presentation of the material and folk

Catherine’s Church, the two buildings constituting a

aspects of Irish life in the period covered by the

remarkable campus for those wishing to experience

genealogical records. And so for the first time people

a truly authentic portrayal of 18th and 19th century

of Clare ancestry throughout the world would find,

Clare and, by extension, that of Ireland in general and

on their visits to the homeland, not only the written

its remarkable emigration story.

records relating to their kinsfolk, but a true-to-life

Although mindful of its obvious potential for

presentation of the material and spiritual folk-life of

tourism by attracting visitors to the ancestral sod, Dr

the Ireland which their forbears had left behind.

Cleary, from the beginning, viewed the work of the

A PIECE OF HISTORY

“It is sometimes forgotten that there are vastly more people of Clare extraction scattered throughout the world today than are living within the county.”

Centre against a broader canvas. For him, as indeed for many of those who have worked in the Centre to

The effects of this remarkable genealogical and

this day, the service provided there is seen as fulfilling

heritage enterprise were instantaneous and thus

almost a spiritual function. This can best be described

began a remarkable interaction between County

as a duty of care on behalf of the people of Clare

Clare and its scattered diaspora, a dialogue which has

towards its sons and daughters scattered throughout

been maintained to the present day. Enquirers from

the world and whose forbears were sometimes forced

abroad could now find out more specific information

to flee a famine-ravaged country in coffin ships.

58 n Trace your Roots

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Coming Home Again

Touched by the past

It is sometimes forgotten that there are vastly

“There is no way I can put into words the amazing gift I received on this

more people of Clare extraction scattered

trip and will continue to receive throughout my life and especially on every

throughout the world today than are living

return visit to see family there. I sat in the home where my great-great

within the county. In her 1995 address to

grandmother was born and died, and talked for hours with my great-great

the joint houses of the Oireachtas, the then

aunt. It is bringing tears to my eyes at this moment to recall it. It is a life-

President, Mary Robinson remarked: “The

changing experience worth every hour of work and every penny of expense.

men and women of our diaspora represent

i’m very thankful for the Clare Heritage Centre and for all working there.”

not simply a series of departures and losses.

Tom Lynch, Georgia

They remain, even while absent, a precious reflection of our own growth and change, a precious reminder of the many strands of

“Your report on the Dooleys of Tulla arrived and I am delighted. You and

identity which compose our story.”

your people have done a splendid piece of work. It is fascinating. And quite

The work of the Clare Heritage and

humbling to read – seeing all of these lives laid out before me, some of

Genealogical Centre and that of the other

them even bearing my own name; it puts things in perspective. I think of

such centres around the country is, in certain

their struggles, their hopes and dreams and disappointments, their joy in

respects, a practical expression of the

their children, their sorrows standing beside the graves of their parents. I am

symbolism inherent in the light which the

touched and honoured to be one of their descendants, and hope I can do

President maintained in an upper window

them credit. All those good people gone before me. It is, as I say, chastening,

during her tenure at Áras An Uachtaráin. A

and humbling, to think about.”

beacon to signify our remembrance for all

Dennis Dooley, Ohio

those outside our shores for whom Ireland is a place of origin.

The Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre, Corofin, County Clare is open year-round, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Visitors are welcome and they offer a free consultation

CONTACT INFORMATION

and advice service to persons wishing to trace

Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre

their roots. A research form which lists the

Church Street, Corofin, Co. Clare

source material and outlines the fees charged

Tel: +353 (0) 65 683 7955 | Email: clareheritage@eircom.net

may be produced on request.

Web: www.clareroots.com

Directory of Suppliers Ashville Media Group, on behalf of Dromoland Castle, would like to thank the following companies for their continued support in helping to produce this magazine.

Arthur Cox Clare Bar Supplies Clarenbridge Engraving DFMG Solicitors Galway Stationery Supplies Ltd. GH Enterprises Karwig Wines Ltd. Mailisa Silverware Ltd. Moores’ Wines Morgans Wine Merchants Pallas Foods Ltd. Salon Shop Hair & Beauty Supplies Trace your Roots n 59

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visit

K i ng J oh ns K

ing John’s Castle in Limerick has recorded

with people outside being able to look in and people inside

a major growth surge, doubling its visitor

being to look out.”

numbers since reopening its doors on June 28th last year. The growth follows a €5.7m

Touch screen technology connects visitors to exciting

redevelopment which was supported by Fáilte Ireland and

tales of siege and warfare. An array of computer generated

the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport through a

imagery, animations and ghostly projections are all part

grant of €4.7m, with the balance of the funding being met

of the experience. Its cutting-edge audio visuals and 3D

by Shannon Development. In the first four months since

models all combine to help visitors delve into the Castle’s

reopening its doors, the revamped visitor attraction has

history. Discovery drawers unveiling castle treasure, a

welcomed over 40,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas.

cannon game, a treasure hunt and a Siege street in the

When compared to the same period in previous years this

castle courtyard are just a few of the surprises which visitors

represents a doubling of visitor numbers. The results were

can expect. They can try on historic costumes - 18th century

revealed on November 29th, 2013, at the official opening

dresses or chainmail tunics - and there are even costumed

of King John’s Castle in Limerick by Finance Minister

characters roaming the site, bringing history to life.

Michael Noonan.

In the castle courtyard visitors will get a sense of the “We are delighted with visitor numbers to-date, which

bustling activity that took place here, including the

have exceeded our expectations,” says John Ruddle, Chief

blacksmith’s workshop complete with tools and weapons.

Executive, Shannon Heritage, Ireland’s largest operator of

They can explore the Norman medieval campaign tent and

tourist attractions. “We have had more visitors in the first

the walkway in the remains of the Great Hall of the castle

four months since reopening than we would normally have

built circa 1280. In addition, each of the castle towers has

in a full year. We see this as only the start and are very

been dressed to re-create the daily operation of a busy

ambitious about growing the visitor numbers to both the

military castle, complete with armoury and mint. Treasures

Castle and Limerick city generally.”

uncovered at the Castle during a series of archaeological digs, which began in early 1990, are also on display. The

National and international visitors will enjoy a brand new

Great Hall at the Castle has been made accessible to

castle experience that brings together the Castle’s history

the public for the first time, with a specially constructed

and archaeology through 21st century technology to create

stairway leading people down into the chamber with

a new journey of discovery into the history of Limerick and

spectacular views of the river from its windows. New areas

King John’s Castle. “It is an exciting ultra modern visitor

of the Castle, previously inaccessible to the public, have

experience with a dramatic history of over 800 years of

been opened up. These include a tower which affords

stories,” says John Ruddle. “There is a stunning ‘looking

the highest observation point in Limerick of the River

glass’ exhibition area which provides a window to the past.

Shannon and reveals panoramic views of Limerick and its

Here people can walk through the historical exhibitions

surrounding counties.

60 n King John’s Castle

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Dromoland Castle 2015 ashville media group

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