Ireland's Luxury Escapes

I R EL A N D’ S LU X U RY

ESCAPES

Dunmore Head, Blasket Islands, Co Kerry.

CONTENTS UNMISSABLE ART & CULTURE Ireland offers time and space to revel in all things cultural.

JOURNEY THROUGH IRISH HERITAGE Explore the island’s golden list of historical sights and cultural hot spots.

LUXURY CULINARY EXPERIENCES From Michelin starred-restaurants to rustic feasts, get ready for a gastronomic adventure.

EDIBLE EXPEDITIONS Embark on an ocean-inspired eating odyssey.

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DELUXE DISTILLERIES Nine of the best distilleries for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike to enjoy.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Luxury adventures set against the most spectacular scenery help create memories that'll last a lifetime.

EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING IN IRELAND An insider’s guide to the country’s most special retail experiences.

TIME FOR TEA Discover the top spots to enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat.

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WELCOME

WHY IREL AND FOR LUXURY TR AVEL To paraphrase the late, great Maya Angelou, “People may forget what you said or did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”

This is, at its essence, what an ultraluxe visit to Ireland delivers, and more. After all, a true travel connoisseur knows there’s more to luxury escapes than fluffy pillows and Michelin stars. Beautiful hotels and fine dining can be found anywhere in the world, and Ireland boasts plenty of both, but what sets this invigorating country apart is the depth of authentic and enriching experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.

The promise of small villages as remarkable for their settings as their character, spectacular landscape of green slopes and distant mountains and historic sites that are time capsules of the past are tantalising enough to prompt visiting. Yet it’s the immersive experiences offering a heady mixture of escape, adventure, solitude and the opportunity to properly recharge, combined with a high-end quality product that offers a real journey of distinction.

‘Céad míle fáilte’ or ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’ may seem like a sweet yet innocuous Irish greeting, but it goes to the heart of the country’s efforts to bring people into their world. There’s an authenticity to it that’s pure, subtle and rare. It is in the efforts of the people to promote, preserve and generously share the local culture, whether it be through architecture, art, history or food that help to keep the stories of the past, while ensuring different ones are written every day.

The unpretentiousness of this warm offering belies a deep sophistication and hints that the best is yet to come. Ireland holds many surprises, and you can consider this your guide 4 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

to uncovering just a few that will bring joy.

Tailor-made excursions and off-the-beatentrack adventures will undoubtedly excite and delight, but it’s the relationships and genuine connections you’ll make along the way that guarantee not just unique insider access moments, but treasured memories, that imprint on the heart, and last a lifetime.

Here in Ireland, we have a wealth of experience in the ultraluxe and luxury travel market who will prioritise the needs and interests of our visitors. Our ultraluxe travel advisors throughout Ireland have the resources at their fingertips to deliver high-quality service and create unforgettable trips that will create bespoke itineraries as unique as you.

Their long standing relationships with Irish trade on the ground ensures that clients get exclusive access to hidden gems, reaching unique and untouched experiences, including those only accessible by helicopter or private boat. These one-of-a-kind experiences help to create exclusive bucket list itineraries, working with only the highest quality experience providers.

Ultraluxe travel advisors across Ireland have highly-knowledgeable and local ‘black book’ connections to ensure all itineraries are filled with the greatest routes, the most fascinating inclusions, the smoothest service, and the very best overall experience.

To find out more about our approved ultraluxe suppliers, contact: Donna Brogan (donna.brogan@failteireland.ie) or Olivia Frawley (oFrawley@tourismireland.com).

We look forward to welcoming you in person.

WELCOME

Dun Aengus, Inishmore, Aran Islands, Co Galway.

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UNMISSABLE ART AND CULTURE Ireland is famous for its warm welcome and unique talents, which combined result in unique experiences visitors will never forget.

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ART & CULTURE

Ashford Castle Hotel Co Mayo.

Renowned for incredible scenery, and the richness of the writers, musicians, makers and creators it has inspired, Ireland offers time and space to revel in all things cultural.

Across the country, the settings are astonishing: Lismore Castle, ancestral Irish seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, has a cutting-edge contemporary art gallery in one wing of the Co Waterford castle, and works by leading artists abound in its famous gardens. Sculpture in the Parklands is a vast park on an ancient Irish peat bog, where Irish and international artists have made extraordinary works to explore in this unique landscape.

Then there’s Dublin’s Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), located in a stunning Georgian townhouse on St Stephen’s Green, where James Joyce himself was once a student; or visit the world-renowned Wexford Festival Opera, winner of Best Festival at the International Opera Awards. The musical world descends on this charming southern town each autumn and the festival is also known for its friendliness: you are highly likely to end up chatting to a conductor or soloist in a coffee shop, or sitting in a hotel bar being regaled with the stories of a maestro. That’s the other pure charm of a culture break in Ireland - the country is as famous for the warmth of its welcomes as it is for the artistic talent that thrives here, and it all adds up to a fascinating package.

You can explore the country and its rich cultural scene via a range of unique bespoke experiences that put you at the centre of the Irish art world, for an afternoon, a day or maybe even at the start of a new lifelong adventure.

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ART & CULTURE

Above: The Abbey Theatre, Dublin City.

Right: Frederic William Burton (1816-1900) Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs, 1864 and the impressive staircase of the National Gallery, Dublin City.

Tread the boards Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey, was founded by Nobel Laureate WB Yeats and is the oldest National Theatre in the world. Most people only get to experience the theatrical magic from the auditorium, but you can take a private behind-thescenes tour. You’ll get to explore those rarely seen spaces: from the hair and make-up department to the prop stores where whole new imaginative worlds are created. Discover the array of costumes from famous productions in the costume stores, and see how the show comes together each night.

Along the way, you’ll see famous faces and discover theatrical history, peppered with plenty of tales from an iconic cultural institution. True fans can explore even more by requesting private tours with archive specialists - so if there’s an actor or a performance that is dear to your heart or heritage, this is the time to truly indulge your passion. And what about brushing up on your own theatrical skills? Or have you simply always dreamed of a life on this memorable stage? The Abbey can create a bestpoke one-on-one theatre workshop on the famous boards, just for you.

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ART & CULTURE

Photo © National Gallery of Ireland.

Watercolour and gouache on paper.

Bequeathed, Miss Margaret Stokes, 1900. NGI.2358

Go behind the scenes at the museums The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is the home of Ireland’s national contemporary art collection.

Older works are to be found at the National Gallery on Dublin’s Merrion Square, where alongside a stunning suite by Irish painter Jack B Yeats (brother to the poet WB), you’ll also see works by Vermeer and Caravaggio and - voted Ireland’s favourite painting - the luminous watercolour “The Meeting on the Turret Stairs”

by Frederic William Burton.

General admission is free, while some temporary exhibitions do have admission charges. Gallery hopping in Dublin is great fun, as the compact size of the city means it’s easy to cover plenty of ground.

At IMMA, those in the know can book a private tour with the museum director, Annie Fletcher, who will introduce you to the 17th century

building and set the scene for a true insight into the former Royal Hospital and its grounds. Choose a morning slot before the doors are usually open, or early evening to enjoy dusk fall as one of IMMA’s senior curators will join you to share their knowledge and stories about the artists and their works on display. The world’s leading artists leave us with amazing objects, and often the stories behind them are every bit as fascinating, so there is nothing quite like having the place to yourself, and the company of welcoming experts to explore pieces by Damien Hirst, Dorothy Cross, Lucian Freud and more. The minimum group size is two people.

Leaving Dublin behind, head to Kilkenny, where the Butler Gallery is located in the beautiful medieval town that is also known as the Marble City.

The Butler has recently moved to its new home in a gorgeous riverside setting that blends the old with the new.

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ART & CULTURE

Skellig Michael, Co Kerry.

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ART & CULTURE

It’s headed up by Anna O’Sullivan, who has worked with artists from Louise Bourgeois to local hero, the late Tony O’Malley. A visit to the Butler includes highlights from the historic and contemporary collections, as well as a regular programme of changing exhibitions of international repute.

Once again, you can go that little bit further with a unique Butler experience, available for individuals and groups of up to six people. Your day includes a private director’s tour with Anna, and one member of your group can have their portrait sketched by Royal Irish Academician and award-winning artist Blaise Smith, during which Blaise will share insights from his life and work. As he has painted former Taoisigh (prime ministers) and chief justices, this is bound to be a fascinating session. To round off the day, you have the option of dinner at Kilkenny’s Michelinstarred restaurant, Campagne, either as a private group or in the company of Anna and Blaise, so that the stories can continue into the night.

Capture the magic of the west coast At the western tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, and on the stunning Ring of Kerry, Dingle is renowned for its great Irish music. The Dingle Peninsula has featured in epic films, ranging from Ryan’s Daughter and The Playboy of the Western World to episodes from the Star Wars movie canon, but how do you capture those sheer cliffs, crashing waves, rugged mountains, monastic monuments, epic sunsets and fast fleeting clouds in a single still image? The Dingle Darkroom’s George Jackson has spent more than 30 years exploring this romantic, epic and ancient place.

Courses and walking tours are available online, but not everyone knows that George can tailor personal itineraries where you can explore the landscape and learn to capitalise on the tricks of the light, so that you can capture your own images, whether with a camera or your smartphone.

Acting as your own personal photographer, George will also make sure you have a lasting record of the day. The Dingle Darkroom can arrange transport, and the bespoke tours include personal photograph editing and printing and a keepsake gift of one of George’s own hand-printed images. Make your own magic in Dingle by enquiring about personal bespoke tours.

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ART & CULTURE

Hit The High Notes Where to begin with Windmill Lane? This Dublin Docklands institution has been behind the recording of iconic music by U2, David Bowie, Kate Bush, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, The Cranberries and Hozier. And now you can join them.

Windmill Lane is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building. The studios, made famous as U2’s spiritual home, are beloved by many visitors wanting to tread in the footsteps of Bono, Mick Jagger, Dolores O’Riordan and other musical heroes. You can actually immerse yourself further by booking the studios yourself, to enjoy a private

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gig, take part in a trad workshop, a Riverdanceinspired session, or record your own track with Windmill Lane’s legendary session musicians.

As these are the people who have worked, recorded and toured with stars such as Bob Dylan, you can share their epic tales and get inspired to reach for greatness yourself. Set aside anything from three to eight hours, and the team will treat you like a rock star, arranging everything from a mixing desk to bespoke catering.

Across Ireland, you’ll discover pubs with traditional music, artists ready to welcome you to their studios, and craftspeople happy to share their stories. But Irish arts and culture, with you as the star? Now that’s truly something else.

Dance to a merry tune in Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Co Galway.

Opposite: A star is born at Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin City.

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JOURNEY THROUGH IRISH HERITAGE Layers of history can be traced from Ireland's breathtaking coastline to its rugged interior. Explore the island's golden list of historical sights and cultural hot spots.

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HERITAGE

Previous page: The Burren, Co Clare.

Above: The Burren Perfumery. Left: Wild flowers growing in the limestone of the Burren.

In Ireland, it feels like our story is woven into every inch of the landscape. Whether you’re walking along the crumbling stonewalls in a country field, or exploring an ancient castle hidden in the depths of a forest, our sense of heritage and legacy is part of the fabric of life. This is a land where you can stumble upon megalithic tombs at the side of the road, or happen upon a quirky museum in a tiny village.

Ireland is the perfect blend of rich historical artefact and a thriving sense of modern culture. It’s a land that’s ripe for exploration, wherever your interests lie. And the best part?

Nowadays, those experiences are more luxurious than ever.

Think exclusive access, VIP trips and after-hours tours of heritage landmarks, led by prominent expert guides.

But heritage isn’t found only within ancient sites and historic landmarks. Take The Burren Perfumery, for example. Set among the wilds of the Burren, this spot takes all that’s treasured about this unique landscape and turns it into a range of scents and products made from local herbs and flowers, like wild roses and comfrey. Visit the perfumery and you’ll not only absorb the spectacular, windswept beauty of the Burren, but you can also create your own bespoke perfume during a private workshop, leaving you with a luxurious souvenir you’ll cherish forever.

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HERITAGE

The landscape is just as wild at Hook Lighthouse in Co Wexford, where the surrounding seascape can change its appearance in a matter of minutes. Stand on the viewing platform on this, the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, and you’ll be met with an unbeatable view of the swirling Celtic Sea as it crashes against the rocks. Or go one better and opt for a private tour at sunset, where you can watch the sky morph into a fiery hue as the sun dips below the horizon, with a glass of prosecco in your hand and artisanal canapés at your side.

From 800-year-old lighthouses to a home built in the 19th century for the direct descendants of the last High King of Ireland: Clonalis House is a picturesque country house that teems with history. Home to one of Ireland’s oldest Gaelic families, this is a place where you walk through the door and are welcomed like an old friend. On one of their high-end experiences, you can learn all about the fascinating history of the O’Conor clan, as you sit by the fire and enjoy a candlelit dinner with the family.

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OPT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR AT SUNSET, WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE SKY MORPH INTO A FIERY HUE AS THE SUN DIPS BELOW THE HORIZON.

HERITAGE

Opposite page: Hook Lighthouse, Co Wexford.

Left: Glass making at House of Waterford Crystal, Co Waterford.

It’s a similar atmosphere at Doolin Music House, just a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher. At the private home of an award-winning flautist and his artist partner, you’ll enjoy a traditional Irish music session by the turf fire, as the music, stories and wine flow. It’s here where the ancient art of Ragaire is celebrated. This old Irish tradition marks the gathering of neighbours in a home, where they sit around the fire to share stories and song. Ragaire has been an intrinsic part of Irish life for centuries, and to experience it first hand is to immerse yourself in the very heart of Irish culture.

One of the names most synonymous with Ireland and design is the House of Waterford Crystal, where countless treasures have been crafted since its creation in 1783. Within these walls, masterpieces have been made, from chandeliers destined for Westminster Abbey to the thousands of crystals that made up the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball that dropped as the Millennium rang in. Opt for a VIP tour of the factory, and you’ll see the artists work, as well as witnesssing precious treasures up close.

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HERITAGE

Ireland's Alcatraz - Spike Island, Cobh, Co Cork.

Opposite: Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois.

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Explore hidden history There are more stories to be found on Spike Island, just a short ferry ride from the pretty Cork town of Cobh, the departure point for the Titanic. With over 1,300 years of history under its belt, Spike Island has taken many forms over the years, from its incarnation as a 7th century monastery to perhaps its most famous stint as the world’s largest prison in the 19th century. It’s during this era that the stories are at their most powerful. Take an After Dark tour of the island, and you’ll learn all about those who lived there, as you walk the secret tunnels illuminated by torchlight.

Ireland is also renowned for its horses, and you can get up close and personal with the greats at the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Kildare.

Whether you have a passion for horses or are a keen novice, a tour led by one of the passionate guides will take

you behind the scenes of this national pastime, on the land where some of Europe’s finest racehorses were born.

Afterwards, the Japanese Gardens are the perfect place for a spot of afternoon relaxation, as you amble between the lily ponds and waterfalls.

But it’s not only in Ireland’s countryside where you’ll find a little bit of peace. The only urban working farm in Dublin, Airfield Estate is just a short hop from the city centre, with a breezy sense of tranquillity that feels a million miles from the buzz of town. You can take a deep dive into the world of farming with egg collection or cow milking, or simply sit in the peaceful calm of the lightfilled patio of the Overends Kitchen with a homemade kombucha or glass of biodynamic wine.

Of course, Dublin is a city that’s packed with cultural wonders. This

is a place where crumbling Viking walls can be found down side streets, and where remnants of the city’s ancient history are found in the most unexpected of areas. One of the best ways to introduce yourself to the cultural secrets of the city is on a walk with Dublin Decoded Tours. Led by a passionate historian and writer, these tours span a huge range of topics, from art history to architecture, weaving through parts of the city that are often overlooked.

You can discover Dublin’s medieval history, amble through the finest Georgian architecture and explore the Jewish history of Portobello. And if you have a particular area of interest, the bespoke private tours are a dream come true, combining exclusive access (in buildings that are usually out of bounds to the public) with intimate music recitals and whiskey tastings.

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HERITAGE

THE WRITTEN WORD IS CELEBRATED WITH INTIMATE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES. One building that’s a well-loved icon of the capital is Christ Church Cathedral, part of the tapestry of Dublin for almost 1,000 years. Join a guided tour to learn about the history and even ring the famous bells while visiting the belfry The cathedral is home to the city’s oldest working structure in the form of its crypt, which is home to some quirky treasures, like a mummified cat and rat, and a rare copy of the Magna Carta.

But the city’s most famous book is kept within the walls of Trinity College. The Book of Kells and Old Library is one of the most popular sights in Dublin, and with good reason - stepping into the awe-inspiring Long Room will never fail to take your breath away. With bookshelves groaning with 200,000 titles, the scent of leather-bound books in the air is as enchanting as the barrel-vaulted ceiling that soars overhead.

While the literary links at Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre are a little more modern, the connection to the world of books is just as strong.

For such a small seaside village, there’s a huge number of writers with a connection to Dalkey, from James Joyce to Maeve Binchy. The written word is celebrated with intimate and immersive experiences curated by a local theatre director, who creates luxurious private evenings involving readings, performances and dinners 22 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

in one of the village’s high-end restaurants.

Ireland’s literary roots are buried deep within the soul of the country, but the printed word goes beyond literature. At the National Print Museum, you can delve into the art form of the printing press, on a personalised tour that showcases antique presses and fascinating elements from Ireland’s history, particularly regarding the 1916 Proclamation.

But Dublin isn’t the only city that’s rich in cultural sights. In the medieval city of Kilkenny, you’ll find a historical marvel around every corner, from Kilkenny’s Civic Treasures held within the Medieval Mile Museum, to the Kilkenny Castle Estate, which is one of the many OPW Heritage Sites.

Most interesting historical sights in Ireland are run by the OPW. From the imposing Rock of Cashel and its surrounding medieval buildings to the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, the OPW is the cultural lynchpin of Ireland. There’s the world’s most extensive Stone Age monument at Céide Fields, the fascinating island fort of Dún Aonghasa, and castles in every corner of the country.

That’s part of what makes Irish heritage so powerful. It doesn’t matter where you are - a tiny island off the west coast, or right in the middle of a bustling city. If you’re looking for a story, there’s always one to be told.

The Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin City.

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FOOD

LUXURY CULINARY E XPERIENCES You only truly discover the culture of a destination through its food and Ireland has many wonderful dining experiences to enjoy. From Michelin starred-restaurants to rustic feasts, get ready for a gastronomic adventure.

Glover’s Alley, one of Ireland’s newest Michelin-starred restaurants. Right: Gourmand lovers will be truly spoiled at Aimsir, Co Kildare.

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Kildare with its lush, landlocked countryside and rolling grasslands of The Curragh, Ireland’s foremost racecourse, may be the heart of Ireland’s thriving equine industry, but Kildare is more than a home for horse trainers, prize stallions and star breeders. Here, in the shade of an old stone mill, on the banks of the Royal Canal, sits an ambitious destination restaurant that shines bright with the lustre of its own constellation.

Welcome to Aimsir, an extraordinary Irish restaurant where you’ll find culinary stars in the kitchen, Michelin stars on the wall, and a stellar dining concept that celebrates the very essence of modern Irish food. Led by husband-and-wife team, Cornwall-born chef Jordan Bailey and Danish front of house manager Majken Bech Christensen, Aimsir - meaning “weather” in Irish - draws solely on a native seasonal pantry

EACH DELICATE DISH IN THIS 24-SEATER RESTAURANT DAZZLES WITH ITS DELICACY, ORIGINALITY AND BRILLIANCE.

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Aimsir’s dining room.

Right: Sumptious delicacies from Campagne, Co Kilkenny.

to create a luxurious menu of exquisite ingredients that have been exclusively sown and grown, foraged, farmed and fished on the island of Ireland. Within four months of opening in 2019, the ground-breaking and exceptional Aimsir received two stars from the Michelin guide.

To dine here is to experience the very essence of Irish cuisine. A single set menu of 18 individual servings, from snacks to savoury courses, desserts to petits fours, will take you on metaphorical voyage across the country. From Dublin Bay skate wing to Tipperary beef, wild Galway mussels to Achill mountain mutton, Louth asparagus to blue cheese from County Down, each delicate dish in this 24-seater restaurant dazzles with its delicacy, originality and brilliance.

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Luxury Fine Dining With its sleek and chic dining room, Aimsir is an elegant contemporary space within a delightfully historic setting. It’s located at the Cliff at Lyons, a small luxury hotel set within a collection of old rose-clad workers’ cottages, a barracks, forge and flour mill. Guests can stay overnight in one of 22 bedrooms. The immaculate gardens and orchard are being developed by two of Aimsir’s chefs-turned-gardeners, with Aimsir’s Farm Tour a wonderful way to learn about the property’s kitchen gardens and farm before enjoying the delicious seasonal food on location.

Aimsir is extra special, but you’ll find unforgettable dining all around the country, where creative chefs, prime Irish produce and warm hospitality come together to

FOOD

leave a lasting impression. Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen and Glover’s Alley by Andy McFadden are two of the capital’s most joyful Michelin-starred experiences, with Kilkenny’s Campagne and Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate, Cavan’s MacNean House, Galway’s Lignum, Clare’s Gregans Castle and Bastion in Kinsale, County Cork all elevating the art of fine dining.

Of course, luxury often comes in the most unexpected places.

Sometimes it’s a private visit to an

Irish artisan, stripping back the layers and meeting the maker, the grower, the farmer to witness the origins of the food they produce. To visit our smokehouses and cheesemongers, our distilleries and farmhouses, is to witness living tradition and innovation while connecting to Ireland’s culinary heritage. That sliver of beechwood smoked salmon or briny oyster slurped on the shores of the wild Atlantic…

That wedge of creamy cheese sampled at the dairy door… That dram of peaty whiskey or fragrant gin sipped in the

presence of a master distiller… Each priceless encounter celebrates age-old crafts while celebrating Ireland’s rich and indulgent natural larder.

Where There’s Smoke...

Smoked salmon, one of Ireland’s most prized resources, will never taste the same after a day’s workshop with the inimitable Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery. One of the world’s foremost fish smokers, she began smoke-curing fish in West Cork 43 years ago to preserve the haul that she and her Ireland’s Luxury Escapes | 27

FOOD

A NEW GENERATION IS BEING INTRODUCED TO THE FLAVOURS OF A WILD PANTRY. commercial fisherman husband were catching from the Atlantic. Working only with wild fish, her produce is as pure, traditional and authentic as you could ever dream of.

Sign up to a full-day masterclass at her custom smokehouse and you’ll learn first-hand about the traditional techniques of hot and cold smoking, filleting, salt-curing and smoking wild mackerel with hardwood. After lunch - a feast of hot and cold smoked fish, naturally, served in Neolithic Knockdrum Ring Fort, overlooking the Wild Atlantic - you’ll learn how to hot smoke fish with simple materials in any location, from the beach to your own kitchen. An access-all-areas day out, this extraordinary course is suitable for everyone from age 12 and up, making this the kind of unforgettable family experience you’ll talk about for years.

Should you fancy the thrill of catching your fish first, head west to the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, where Mark Murphy’s Dingle Cookery School runs a fun Catch & Cook experience on a private charter. Sailing from Dingle Harbour, your skipper will bring you out to the rich fishing grounds of Dingle Bay and help you master the art of line fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. Mark will be on board, too, and he’ll help you take your catch - usually mackerel and pollock - back to the Cookery School kitchens. Minutes from the pier, you will learn how to identify, prepare and 28 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

fillet your fish. This is followed by a cookery lesson where you’ll learn how to make delicious accompaniments to your dish. And the reward? The freshest seafood feast you’ve ever tasted, caught and cooked by you, alone. With no experience required, and a skipper and chef on hand, this is another fun adventure that all the family can enjoy together.

The Irish countryside is one of our great natural resources that chefs and food lovers are rediscovering again.

Foraging reconnects us to the land and the wild, natural foods that have grown on these shores for centuries.

With herbs, berries, edible seaweed and flowers now commonplace on the menus of our best restaurants, a new generation is being introduced to the flavours of a wild pantry.

Wild Food Mary, an expert forager, chef, organic food enthusiast and author, can connect you to a place you hold dear through her guided wild food foraging walks, which can be booked privately. As you explore fields, woodlands and hedgerows, she’ll teach you how to forage sustainably and safely, guiding you in the art of discovering the hidden treasures. The walk includes plant identification, recipes, seasonal tips and a delicious meal crafted from your wild bounty.

Mary loves creating bespoke events for private groups, too, such as spring superfoods, summer florals and autumn fungi, showcasing the food that’s hidden in plain sight every day.

FOOD

Above: Woodcock Smokery, guides vistors on the smoking proccess and serves up savoury cuts. Left: Chef’s choice; fresh Irish seafood cooked straight from the sea is an experience to savour.

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FOOD

Catherine Fulvio: TV chef, author and proprietor of Ballyknocken House. Left: Serve up your own sumptuous feasts.

Cloughan Farm and Cookery School If you share an appetite for good food and country life, a visit to Cloughan Farm and Cookery School is not to be missed.

Tucked away in the heartlands of Ireland, join owners Fiona and Michael for a hands-on experience on their family farm.

Guided by Fiona’s expertise, learn how to make the perfect scone, mouth-watering soda bread and smoked salmon pâté, a traditional Irish three-course meal, or opt for a customised cooking class followed by a tour of the land. After you’ve said hello to hens (and bottle-fed the lambs if the timing is right), finish the perfect day with your hosts around their kitchen table and tuck into the fruits of your labour.

This is farm to table dining at its finest.

Ballyknocken House, Farm and Cookery School Get a real taste of Ireland from the home of award-winning chef and food writer, Catherine Fulvio. Buried in the Wicklow countryside, the 280-acre estate has been

in the family since the 1600s, and even endured a brief tenure as a designated ‘Soup Site’ during The Famine. Now a much-loved cookery school and guesthouse, Ballyknocken offers superb masterclasses taught by Catherine in a charming setting. Forage in the gardens for fresh ingredients and try your hand at a selection of recipes that have been passed down through Catherine’s family for generations. Make the most of your time here and book a night’s stay in one of seven guest bedrooms or hire the entire property for an idyllic group getaway.

You’ll leave Ballyknocken House not only well-fed but utterly relaxed.

If rambling through the countryside in sturdy footwear isn’t your idea of fun, a walking food tour might seem more accessible. It offers an indulgent way to while away a morning or afternoon, and Ireland has a host of creative tours all around the country, run by local food experts who relish the opportunity to show off their area’s produce.

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Edge of the world dining on Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare. Grá Picnics.

Discover hidden gems in Dublin or Cork on a guided tour with Fab Food Trails. Curated by former book publisher Eveleen Coyle, Eveleen’s knowledge of the food scenes in Dublin and Cork, as well as the relationships she has with local food producers, means she can craft a unique itinerary, opening up a world of artisan delicacies, independent establishments and fascinating stories that visitors may otherwise miss. From the traditional to the contemporary, the tour features up to seven stops around Dublin or Cork (the choice is yours) and is tailored to your taste so you can enjoy a bespoke culinary adventure. With her finger firmly on the pulse, Eveleen and her team of foodies will show you a selection of Irish-owned food and drink businesses that are worth venturing off the beaten path to visit.

In Kinsale - Ireland’s original gourmet destination - you’ll find Kinsale Food Tours, run by Suzanne Burns. Her Town Taster series promises a culinary odyssey through the winding waterside streets of this most picturesque of Norman walled towns. The multi-stop tour visits a range of venues, including a café, deli, restaurant, chocolatier or ice-cream 32 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

FEW DINING LOCATIONS ARE AS IMPRESSIVE AS THE CLIFFS OF MOHER, THE TOWERING SEAWALL ALONG CLARE’S DRAMATIC COASTLINE.

FOOD

shop. Walking, learning and sampling delicious goodies - think award-winning local cheeses, patés, wild treats, local seafood, artisanal chocolates and ice creams - you’ll hear the stories of the people and producers of the town.

Encounters with locals are what make these up-close-and-personal tours so memorable. “Of the many colourful characters, some of the people that you may meet include Olivier Queva of Max’s restaurant - an avid spear fisherman and forager,” says Suzanne. “When we visit his restaurant, he curates a wild seafood platter for us and talks our guests through foods which are less commonly consumed but that are plentiful and delicious! Another local character - and our very own ‘Willy

Wonka’ - is the town chocolatier, Frank Keane of Koko Kinsale. A self-taught chocolatier who is fabled for his earthly delights and his sparky witticisms, he champions local honey, cream and butter in his chocolates as well as foraged local seaweeds.”

As with all great foods, they somehow seem to taste even better when you’ve had the privilege of meeting the people behind them, whether that’s a chef or farmer, a producer or an artisan. But food can also be elevated by its surroundings, whether enjoyed in a luxurious restaurant, cosy kitchen or outdoors with incredible views.

Few dining locations are as impressive as the Cliffs of Moher, the towering seawall running for 14

kilometres along Clare’s dramatic coastline. Follow Guerin’s Path along the cliffs and you’ll find a transparent pod where Grá Picnics serves lavish picnics with unequalled views.

Seating eight guests, the glass and timber-framed pod will be set with beautiful tableware, fresh flowers and candles, creating a sumptuous setting to enjoy your Irish feast. In fine weather, outdoor picnics are available too, complete with table and chairs for maximum comfort and optimum ocean views. Serving grazing boards and afternoon tea with prosecco or champagne, Grá Picnics will have everything beautifully set up for your arrival. As picnics go, this may just be setting a whole new benchmark in luxury.

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EDIBLE E XPECTATIONS Discover exclusive experiences, private sessions and bespoke tours to embark on an ocean-inspired eating odyssey.

As an island nation with over 7,000 kilometres of coastline, Ireland’s oceans have defined us. From the mighty Atlantic breakers in the West to the southern Celtic Sea and narrow Irish Sea separating us from Great Britain in the East, the waves have carried friend and foe to our shores, and adventurers and emigrants from them. Shaping our coastline with dramatic cliffs and bays, inlets and islands, this mighty marine force has also gifted us with one of our greatest natural resources - seafood.

Think glistening Dublin Bay prawns in their shells, juicy Clogherhead crab claws drenched in golden butter, pearly oysters freshly shucked, silken king scallops with coral roe, plump Roaringwater Bay mussels steamed in Irish cider, silvery mackerel sizzling on the barbecue, and smoked salmon on thick-cut soda bread.

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WITH EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES, PRIVATE SESSIONS AND BESPOKE TOURS YOU'LL GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT IRISH ABALONE AND OYSTER FARMS, SEAWEED PRODUCERS AND SMOKEHOUSES.

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Once a nation of fishermen and farmers, Ireland is home to an abundance of wild seafood that has nourished generations of coastal communities. Fishermen practised traditional and sustainable fishing from small boats, catching mackerel, pollock, herring and bass with handmade lines and using overnight drift nets to land wild salmon. Pots handwoven from willow or heather rods trapped lobster and crab, with other shellfish - oysters, cockles, limpets, winkles and razorfish - gathered by hand at low tide, prised from rocks and dredged with rakes.

From humble origins to international profile, Irish salmon, mackerel, crab, oysters and Dublin Bay prawns are long prized internationally for the purity of their flavours. And

while an Irish oyster or langoustine may taste wonderful in Italy, Chile or China, nothing can trump the sheer luxury of sampling it hours after it’s been plucked from Irish waters. And while an Irish seafood platter on home soil, piled high with crustaceans, may be one of life’s great pleasures, there’s a simple way to further enhance the experience.

Head for the coast, ideally anywhere along the Wild Atlantic Way, and stop off at one of the incredible seafood producers that dot the world’s longest marked driving route. From the wilds of Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula to the sheltered inlets of Cork, many of our fisher folk, smokeries and fish farmers welcome visitors to learn about where their seafood comes from. With exclusive experiences, private sessions

Above: Cliff with a view, Slieve League Cliffs, Co Donegal.

Right: Irish cuisine offers flavours of the sea you’ve never tasted before.

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Clockwise from top left: Goldie, Co Cork, Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Company Co Clare, The Burren Smokehouse, Co Galway and Glovers Alley, Co Kildare.

Opposite: Traditional stone walls, Connemara, Co Galway.

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and bespoke tours, you’ll have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Irish abalone and oyster farms, seaweed producers and smokehouses. Meeting the custodians of Ireland’s glorious seafood culture is destined to make every bite so much more memorable.

You’ll find oyster farms all along the coast, each of their exquisite produce yielding a slightly different flavour, thanks to the location of their farm and the water that flows around them.

Pay a visit to Tartare in Galway City, owned by Michelin-starred chef JP McMahon, and you can partake in a little culinary detective work of your

own, sampling three oysters side by side from different Irish farms.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t miss a chance to visit the Burren Smokehouse, one of Ireland’s foremost fish smokers, whose produce sells in the world’s finest food emporiums. Just 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher, it’s run by Birgitta and Peter Curtin in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Peter is a master fish smoker, working with pure sea salt and many native flavours to gently smoke their signature organic salmon. Next to the smokehouse is an immersive visitor centre where you can linger and learn about the history of

fish smoking before visiting the well-stocked shop. From hot-smoked salmon with honey, lemon and dill to cold-smoked salmon with seaweed flakes and wild smoked mackerel, they offer a luxurious slice of Ireland to take home with you.

Tucked away in south Connemara, beside Rossaveal’s old pier and coastguard building, sits something less familiar, Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co - a boutique abalone farm. You can join Mungo on a coastal walking tour around Rossaveal to visit the ruins of famine houses and thatched cottages while taking in the view of Connemara’s Ireland’s Luxury Escapes | 37

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Dog’s Day Beach, Port na Feadoige, Co Galway.

Right: Goatsbridge Trout Farm offerings, Co Kilkenny.

traditional stone walls. Great food is central to the experience, of course, and you’ll learn about the edible sea plants that flourish along Galway Bay before visiting the modern aquaculture farm where abalone, sea cucumbers and sea urchins are grown.

After working up an appetite, you’ll sample a luxurious feast starring these aquatic delicacies and the sea plants you’ve foraged. Imagine fresh artisan bread with sea lettuce aioli, seaweed tapenade or seaweed salsa followed by abalone and seafood tapas. Dessert is carrot and sea spaghetti cake followed by sea spaghetti, chocolate and 38 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

espresso cookies. This is seafood, but not as you know it!

A morning spent with Irish Seaweed Kitchen’s Prannie Rhatigan, a medical doctor and Ireland’s foremost seaweed expert, will ensure you never look at the shoreline in the same way either. Join her on an intimate expedition, maybe a half-day seaweed identification walk and talk culminating in tastings of seaweed pesto and seaweed truffles washed down with a seasonal tea or a full-day tasting and learning about seaweed and rolling your own sushi for lunch.

AFTER WORKING UP AN APPETITE, YOU’LL SAMPLE A LUXURIOUS FEAST STARRING THESE AQUATIC DELICACIES AND THE SEA PLANTS YOU’VE FORAGED.

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A day trip to Howth should be part of everyone’s Dublin experience, revealing a vibrant fishing village tucked beneath the hilly headland at the northern boundary of Dublin Bay. Work up an appetite walking the windswept Howth Head cliffs, watching

colourful trawlers navigate the pretty harbour water before you make a beeline for the West Pier. Here, amongst the seafood restaurants and fish shops, you’ll find Dorans on the Pier, a celebrated fishmongers run by three brothers with over 50 years of sea time between them.

Nestled in the hills above Dublin Bay, head to Howth Castle Cookery School for an unforgettable sea-to-table dining experience. Start the day on the water with local skipper David Doyle who will show you his favourite fishing spots on a private sailing expedition

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along the Dublin coastline before returning to the luxurious setting of Howth Castle.

In a beautifully restored 18th century kitchen, head chefs Sarah Hughes and John Carty will teach you how to prepare your catch of the day in a hands-on cooking masterclass.

With more than 20 years of experience between them, Sarah and John will have you cooking up a storm before the day culminates in a tantalising sitdown meal, accompanied by a perfectly paired glass of wine, no less.

With such spectacular seafood in Irish waters, it’s no surprise that seafood restaurants are thriving. All around the country, from the Wild Atlantic Way to the midlands, north

and east coasts, you’ll find chefs creatively embracing our seafood, putting a modern spin on old favourites and proudly serving up their province’s finest. And you can expect the most luxurious seafood in the most unlikely of places. An al fresco bowl of Kerry mussels and a pint of beer from Helen’s Bar on the Beara Peninsula’s remote Kilmackillogue Pier in Tuosist are as likely to seduce you as a lavish seafood platter at The Shelbourne Hotel laden with Dublin Bay prawns, mussels, whiskey-cured salmon, oysters, Liscannor crab and Guinness bread. Like the wild mussels and clams once gathered in abundance on our shores, Ireland’s magnificent seafood treasure is always just a bay away.

Howth Head, Co. Dublin. Right: As an island nation, a plate of exquisite seafood is never very far away.

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DELUXE DISTILLERIES From the islands to the heartlands, there are handsome distilleries across Ireland with doors flung wide to welcome whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike. We've selected twelve of the best to get you started.

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MALT MASTERS

Signature Whiskey Cocktail and opposite: Clonakilty Distillery, Co Cork.

Ireland’s spirits are famed the world over for their quality, character and ever-evolving vibrancy. And as a new wave of innovative new distilleries take root across the island, there have never been more tempting options for the visitor to savour and discover. From quirky new gin distilleries in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to time-honoured whiskey producers in the heart of Dublin, the country is dotted with premium drinks producers offering a full flavour profile of tourism experiences. Thinking of a behind-thescenes distillery tour? Or a luxury artisan food and whiskey pairing? Go against the grain and explore some of Ireland’s off-the-beaten track distilleries for the most exclusive whiskey-lover’s excursion.

Clonakilty Distillery Visitor Experience West Cork is renowned across the world as a destination brimming with the freshest of natural produce and top-class

ingredients. And the same applies when it comes to the most revered of local elixirs: Irish whiskey. Case (and cask) in point is Clonakilty Distillery, founded in 2016 by the Scully family, who have been farming these rugged lands for nine generations. With this level of deep-rooted know-how, the Scullys have sourced the finest native grains for their select spirits - from windswept barley for their premium single-pot still whiskeys to the plumpest of native hedgerow berries for their signature sloe gin. Their Atlantic Ocean warehouse, perched on a dramatic cliffside outside the town, is where the labour of love comes to maturation, but to really indulge in the spirits, visit their distillery in the heart of Clonakilty town for a fascinating whiskey tour. The distillery’s popular, purpose-built gin school also provides the perfect setting for a fun-filled itinerary stop. “Students” can learn all about native botanicals and distil their very own bottle of gin - all while sipping on a Minke G&T. Sláinte!

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Expansive and remote Clare Island, Co Clare.

Right: Clare Island Single Malt Spirit Drink. Below: Sample perfection in the Very Rare room at Jameson Distillery Midleton, Co Cork.

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MALT MASTERS

Jameson Distillery Midleton Immerse yourself in the world of Irish whiskey as you go on a once in a lifetime journey of discovery behind the scenes of the Jameson Distillery Midleton. You will enjoy privileged access to areas of the distillery unseen by members of the public including the Irish Whiskey Academy and the Midleton Very Rare room at the Distiller’s Cottage. With their extensive knowledge of Irish whiskey your private Craft Ambassador will regale you with stories and insights that others can only dream of. Step into the 200-year-old Distiller’s cottage, the former home of their previous legendary Master Distillers Barry Crockett and his father Max, now renovated to an exceptionally high standard.

Relax in the splendour of the Midleton Very Rare room where your tasting experience begins. It is in these delightful surrounds where you will savour a private gourmet lunch. Their expert Craft Ambassador will guide you through a tutored tasting of some of their most exceptional mature whiskies. Each guest will receive a treasured bottle of Midleton 20th Anniversary Irish Whiskey to take home. This is a commemorative edition which was issued on the 20th anniversary of the launch of the flagship Midleton Very Rare whiskey. Only 400 bottles were produced all of which are at cask strength. The bottle is presented in a specially designed case and is accompanied by two beautiful Waterford crystal glasses.

Clare Island Whiskey “Will you go where the spirit takes you?” So asks Ireland’s most far-flung whiskey producer, Clare Island Whiskey, which finds its history rooted in the ultimate West of Ireland location. This unique Mayo spirit may be distilled on the mainland (in the Connacht Distillery in Ballina, to be exact), but Clare Island Whiskey actually matures on the island after which it is named, located 5km adrift of the Wild Atlantic Way. Convention doesn’t anchor just there. To honour the seafaring tradition of his native island, founder Carl O’Grady has made Clare Island Whiskey the first single malt in Ireland to be actually aged at sea.

The backdrop? O’Grady salvaged The Dolphin, a former island passenger vessel, which today holds a precious cargo of a single cask of single malt. So unique is this process and Ireland’s watertight production regulations - that the finished product is ultimately labelled as a “spirit drink”, rather than a whiskey. To savour this saga up close, you can enjoy a bespoke trip from the mainland to Clare Island, where you’ll experience a scenic tour, visit The Dolphin itself and most importantly, be treated to a tasting of this most one-of-a-kind vintage.

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The Shed Distillery, Co Leitrim.

Right: Pearse Lyons Distillery, Liberties, Dublin.

Pearse Lyons Distillery In its heyday, Dublin was once home to over 40 distilleries, largely clustered within a one-mile radius known as the Golden Triangle. Today, that very same district is central to the great whiskey revival taking place in the capital, and leading the charge is the Pearse Lyons Distillery. Located in the hallowed grounds of St James’s Church in the trendy Liberties neighbourhood, this family-run operation offers visitors the unique opportunity to visit a working distillery, set in a yesteryear chapel. That’s right - imagine gleaming pot stills shimmering beneath stained glass windows.

Visitors can enjoy a host of decadent pursuits, from signature cocktail experiences to the distillery’s very own gin school, as well as an exclusive and intimate VIP tour. Here, visitors embark on a storytelling journey through the legend and legacy of whiskey in Dublin, including a meeting with the Pearse Lyons master distiller and a tasting of four premium whiskeys at the Pearse’s Place tasting bar, not least the limited edition Pearse 5 Year Single Malt - the perfect parting glass.

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Teeling Whiskey Distillery In 2015, Teeling Distillery was the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years, marking the beginning of the city’s whiskey-making resurgence. Founded by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, the Teeling family has a storied history in the craft of whiskey distilling, with roots dating back as far as 1782. Learn about the family business on a private tour of the distillery and see first-hand how Teeling Whiskey is made.

Get up close and personal with the copper pot stills and watch the distillers at work making sure everything goes to plan - whiskey production is a precise process where small changes can alter the taste of an entire batch. Of course, no whiskey experience is complete without a taste test. Sample the award-winning whiskey in an intimate tasting experience personalised to each guest’s individual tastes. Before you go, customise your very own whiskey bottle to take home and fill it directly from a cask of one of Teeling’s rare and vintage expressions.

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MALT MASTERS

JJ Corry Irish Whiskey Experience If you like to think of yourself a whiskey buff, then perhaps you’re already down with the art of Irish whiskey bonding. Bonding is the craft of sourcing new-make spirits and mature Irish whiskey from distilleries across the country before maturing, blending and bottling them to create unique new varieties. And JJ Corry, Ireland’s first new modern whiskey bonder in Co Clare, is aiming to resurrect this unique tradition. It’s all the brainchild of Louise McGuane, who in 2015 built a bonded rackhouse at her family’s farm, which is now the site of a mouthwatering library of Irish whiskey characters, with spirits sourced from distilleries all over the island.

You’ll find them arranged by flavour profile, which ranges from spicy vanilla and ripe banana to tropical coconut and smoky bacon. Distilling has never sounded more delicious!

That's the spirit JJ Corry’s choice selection and Louise McGuane whiskey bonder, draws a sample, Co Clare.

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The Shed Do you have a penchant for gin, whiskey or vodka… or perhaps a cocktail of all three? Then why not steer your spirit journey to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and what’s boldly billed as the “inner sanctum of Connacht distilling”? The Shed Distillery, located along the tranquil blueway at Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, is a wonderfully eclectic operation all created by the man known as the Marco Polo of Irish spirits, PJ Rigney. After travelling to the four corners of the globe, Rigney has created a fantastical assortment of drinks, from the famous Gunpowder gin and single pot still whiskey to a pure Irish vodka made from sausage tree fruit from Africa and wild nettles from Leitrim. Visitors can enjoy colourful guided tours, hosted by the distillery’s “curious ambassadors”, visit the botanical glasshouse, and take in a tasty tipple too.

MALT MASTERS

Micil Distillery The first distillery to open its doors in Galway in over a century, Micil Distillery is the perfect blend of time-honoured tradition and poitín pioneering. Operated by Pádraic Ó Griallais, a sixth generation distiller whose family has been producing spirits for 170 years, the brand new facility is located in scenic Salthill, outside Galway City. But in these parts, distillation was always about poitín (Irish moonshine, and the nation’s original uisce beatha). Today, this next generation operation produces the traditional spirit as well as flavourful gin using local botanicals. Book a whiskey experience to meet the maker and learn the storied history of poitín, from its traditional production method and eventual prohibition to its establishment as a protected drink in the EU. But at Micil Distillery, the proof is literally in the tasting, so look forward to savouring some soulwarming samples here too.

Lambay Irish Whiskey Looking for an alternative whiskey tasting experience in the capital? If the tuxedo-wearing puffin on its labels doesn’t offer a hint, Lambay Irish Whiskey is a spirit keen to tell a novel story.

Think a blend of the Irish wilds and French finesse. Distilled on the mainland in Dublin and finished in cognac casks imported from the Camus cellars in France, the whiskey’s journey then continues to sea. Lambay Island, a private island off the Dublin coast, makes for the perfect micro-climate for cask maturation, which is why the ageing process for this sublime whiskey takes place in an old lifeboat cottage on the island’s western shore. For a day trip with a twist, Lambay Whiskey also offers a VIP Whiskey Tour Experience for private groups only, where you can boat out from the mainland and learn all about the whiskey heritage.

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Rock steady on Skellig Michael, Co Kerry. Opposite: Skellig Six18's gin infused with locally sourced botanicals.

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MALT MASTERS

YOU CAN LEARN ALL ABOUT THE LEGEND OF UISCE BEATHA BEFORE RAISING A GLASS AND SAMPLING THE GOODS FOR YOURSELF.

Kilbeggan Distillery As the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland, Kilbeggan Distillery is a must for whiskey aficionados. Here, you’re invited to uncover the history of Irish whiskey and sample it for yourself. Learn about the distillery’s age-old methods of mashing and fermenting which are still used today to produce their traditional blends. Taste a range of single malts and savour the experience of bottling your very own whiskey straight from the cask.

Powerscourt Distillery County Wicklow may well be known as the Garden of Ireland, but as home to one of the most exclusive distilleries in Ireland’s Ancient East, it’s a sure-fire Garden of Eden for whiskey lovers too. Powerscourt Distillery, established in the stunning estate of the same name, is where you’ll find many a connoisseur’s favourite, Fercullen Whiskey, masterfully produced. This all takes place in the Old Mill House, the former hub of farming on Powerscourt Estate, which in addition to the custom designed distillery also houses a visitors’ centre, with elegant tasting rooms and an artisan café. Tour inside and you’ll learn about the Fercullen Whiskey range, from its vanilla scented premium blend to an expertly distilled 18-year-old single malt, matured in bourbon casks. Hungry?

Visitors can also indulge in a food and whiskey pairing, where the hotel’s in-house food historian and dining specialist has curated a luxury culinary experience that includes a carefully selected ` menu of high-quality Irish artisan foods, which provide the perfect accompaniment to some Fercullen flavours.

Skellig Six18 Distillery & Visitor Experience Set in one of the most scenic stretches of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, Skellig Six18 Distillery in the village of Cahersiveen makes for one of the most exciting new pit stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. Named after the 618 steps it takes to scale the monastery which cups the legendary Skellig Michael island, the sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site located just off the coastline, this small batch distillery magics up a premium collection of pot still whiskey and gin, inspired by the people, nature and seascapes that surround it. So much so, in fact, that the operation has found its home in a former boat warehouseturned-state-of-the-art micro distillery. Guided tours here showcase the history and heritage of distillation in the region, where you can learn all about the legend of uisce beatha before raising a glass and sampling the goods for yourself. Don’t miss out on the chance to savour Skellig Six18’s unique gin, too, infused with botanicals picked in the region by local foragers (think native firs and fragrant birch sap).

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Derryclare Lough, Connemara, Co Galway.

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THE GRE AT OUTDOORS Luxury adventures set against the most spectacular scenery.

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ADVENTURE

Ireland’s dramatic palette of scenery, from windswept coastlines and rugged mountains to ornate gardens and rolling countryside, offers the most idyllic backdrop to breathe in the nation’s great outdoors. But whether you’re adventuring on an offshore escape or a rustic retreat, you can still enjoy the island’s outstanding nature with a side of luxury. From gourmet picnics at the races and Champagne cruises off the West of Ireland to clay pigeon shooting on country estates and sustainability tours through hidden farms, here’s a curation of exclusive activity breaks in Ireland to inspire your next trip.

Poll na bPéist The spectacular Aran Island of Inis Mór is perhaps most renowned for its UNESCO world heritage site of Dún Aonghasa, however meander just a little south along its epic cliff faces and you’ll discover another of the island’s wonders, Poll na bPéist. In calm weather, this rectangular rock feature (which translates as wormhole in Irish) almost appears like nature’s perfect swimming pool. However, during high tides, water gushes through its series of underwater caves and bursts into the skies to create a breath-taking display of pure hydropower. The scene is so spectacular, it’s even been the host location for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

Visitors can get there on foot or by taking a private off road tour with adventure specialists and native islanders Aran Off Road Experiences.

Cliffs of Moher Experience It’s only fitting that Ireland’s greatest tourism wonder also boasts one of the country’s most enthralling visitor centres.

Although, it may be difficult to spot it at first sight! Similar to a JRR Tolkien Hobbit dwelling, as it weaves into the cliffsides with eco-sensitivity and sustainability at the forefront, the Cliffs of Moher Experience takes visitors to this blockbuster attraction to thrilling new heights. Centred around a cavelike exhibition dome, the state-of-the-art interpretative centre brings the coast’s geology, wildlife and human history to life - be sure to wander the winding tunnel to The Ledge virtual reality tour, which takes visitors deep beneath the ocean before soaring over the cliffs.

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Poll na bPéist, Inis Mór, Co Galway.

ADVENTURE

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Kylemore Abbey & Gardens With its stunning lakeside location in the wilds of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey makes for one of the most photogenic itinerary stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. The stunning Benedictine Abbey is open to day visitors and you’re invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at this historic landmark property, from wandering through its exquisitely restored rooms to brushing up on your local history via multimedia experiences.

Kylemore Abbey is also home to one of the finest Victorian walled

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gardens in the country - a must visit for those interested in sustainable produce or simply for lovers of oldworld romance. Afterwards, savour the garden produce, as well as fresh home-baking, at Kylemore’s café restaurant or visit the gift store, which offers select souvenirs from handmade soaps and chocolates to the finest Irish tweeds and knitwear.

Killary Sheep Farm If you’re looking for a truly authentic farming experience, place Killary Sheep Farm at the top of your list of

destinations to visit. Set in the wilds of Connemara, join Tom Nee, a fourth-generation sheep farmer, on a private tour of his family farm. Here, you’ll see highly trained sheepdogs in action as they gather the herd on Tom’s command and, during the summer months, you’ll learn how to shear sheep by hand using a traditional method rarely seen today. With a magnificent backdrop of Killary Fjord, the views from the farm alone make for a worthwhile visit, but the charming creatures who freely roam the land will make your heart skip a bleat.

ADVENTURE

THE STUNNING BENEDICTINE ABBEY IS OPEN TO DAY VISITORS AND YOU’RE INVITED TO TAKE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THIS HISTORIC LANDMARK PROPERTY.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Co Galway.

Right: Orangeworks creates bespoke experiences for the adventurous at heart.

Orangeworks In search of adventure during your stay in Ireland? The folks at Orangeworks are bespoke activity specialists who can create the perfect day out, from soft adventure to high adrenaline. For some country living pursuits, try your hand at a spot of archery, clay pigeon shooting or an interactive falconry display. To really get active, Orangeworks also creates multi-activity days, specialising in group and team building. Enjoy the likes of altitude high ropes, axe-throwing and thrilling survivor-based challenges all in the stately surrounds of Carton House, a stunning five-star hotel resort located just 30 minutes from Dublin.

Way to Go Adventures Get ready to explore the hidden heartlands on an unforgettable adventure that will take you off the beaten path. Join expert adventurer and founder of Way to Go Adventures, Stephen Wrynne, for an idyllic day out on Ireland’s waterways. With a Canadian canoe as your mode of transport, you can glide across Lough Garadice, paddle along the River Shannon or tour the harbours and coves dotted around Lough Allen… This is just a taste of the relaxing guided tours curated by Way to Go Adventures. And if you’re feeling hungry, which you surely will be after all that paddling, enjoy an artisanal picnic by the water’s edge, and soak up the beauty of these serene lakeland settings.

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ADVENTURE

Brookfield Farm Tours Just one name on the rich list that is the Tipperary Food Trail, Brookfield Farm Tours near Nenagh makes a delicious beeline for food-lovers. Set on the shores of Lough Derg, the farm is a producer of artisan lamb and potatoes and one of the country’s finest honey producers. Farmer and beekeeper behind the project, Ailbhe Gerrard, offers bespoke tours of the farm’s broadleaf forestry, wildflower meadows and hives, as well as craft demonstrations. Cap your visit with a tasting of mouth-watering raw honey before viewing the beautifully presented gifts, including beeswax candles, available for purchase in the farm shop.

Ardán Garden A hidden oasis just north of Dublin City, Ardán is a glorious flower and sculpture garden nestled along the dramatic Howth peninsula. It’s the brainchild of Nuala Doherty and Conall O’Caoimh, who have cultivated a one-acre paradise that takes visitors through a horticultural haven punctuated by botanical-themed sculptures. The experience offers a true 58 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

complement to the stunning natural backdrop, too, with this outstanding space being recognised as a garden of the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere. After your visit, indulge in one of Howth’s delicious seafood restaurants located nearby.

Burren Farm Experience Think of it as the farm visit with a difference. Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s unique Burren landscape, this working farming experience hosted by Cathal O’Rourke, a fifthgeneration farmer, and his wife Bronagh, a regional eco tour guide, makes for a great alternative insight into rural Ireland. Pay a visit and you’ll not only be awe-inspired by the dramatic lunar-like landscapes, rich wildlife habitats and incredible archaeological sites, but you’ll also get to enjoy an eclectic range of bespoke activities. Learn all about the ancient farming practice of transhumance, which helps conserve and protect the landscape as you tour the farmlands, enjoy a soulful dose of forest bathing in the ancient woodlands, or feast on delicious rustic picnics showcasing the best of Burren produce.

ADVENTURE

Learn the ancient sport of falconry at Dromoland Castle, Co Clare. Left: Bee Keeping on Brookfield Farm, Co Tipperary.

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ADVENTURE

Colour and beauty on every corner, Howth Co Dublin. Left and below: Sail in style aboard the Sionnan, Co Kerry.

Sionnan Luxury Cruises Dreaming of exploring the West of Ireland in ultimate luxury? Then take a journey aboard Sionnan, a stunning private vessel available for exclusive private tours of the dramatic Shannon Estuary. Sionnan (meaning “the Shannon” in Irish) would be as much at home on the marinas of Monaco as the West of Ireland, so it makes the perfect setting to sit back on its deck and soak in the coastline - imagine enjoying views of Kerry cliffs or native dolphins while tucking into a luxury food tasting. The vessel can be booked for full-day, half-day or sunset cruises, and if you’re not quite ready to leave, you can also anchor down in Sionnan for a dreamy overnight stay.

Wild West Sailing Adventure ahoy! If you’ve already road-tripped the Wild Atlantic Way, why not try your hand at sailing it? Wild West Sailing, based out of Co Sligo, is a new boating operation offering coastal excursions for day trips to weekly charters.

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One of its most popular trips is the Sea to Sky immersive experience, a two-day wilderness escape that takes its passengers literally from the wave crest to cliff edge. Sail from Sligo to Donegal while heading ashore to visit Slieve League (Sliabh Liag), the highest sea cliffs in Europe, which stand a dizzying 600m above the Atlantic Ocean.

Hidden Howth Experiences Experience Dublin like a local by enjoying a fun-fuelled day out in the postcard fishing village of Howth. Hidden Howth Experiences offers a number of colourful corporate team building excursions, from hike and pints outings to their Dublin coastal craft beer and seafood trail guaranteed to delight all the senses. Elsewhere on the peninsula, Shane’s Howth Adventures is a collective of local guides who provide inside-track

tours along this beautiful stretch of North Dublin coastline. Choose between a panoramic e-biking tour, a Howth safari hiking tour, or treat yourself to a moonlight tour of Howth Castle featuring a fabulous two-course dinner.

Irish National Stud & Gardens The epicentre of Irish horse racing, the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Co Kildare is the ultimate destination to celebrate the sport of kings. A visit offers a fascinating insight into a working stud farm, from touring the stables that have bred some of the finest race horses in the world to rubbing shoulders (or haunches) with living legends like Beef or Salmon, who live out a hero’s retirement at the stud. Visitors can also explore the estate’s soul-soothing Japanese Gardens, while the stud’s newest attraction, The Irish Racehorse Experience, is a state-of-the-art Ireland’s Luxury Escapes | 61

ADVENTURE

The Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare.

Right: Yoga retreats at Yoga Mara can be tailor-made for your preferences.

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ADVENTURE

interpretative centre that follows the life of a race horse from birth to the winning enclosure. You can even participate in a virtual race if you fancy your chances at glory!

Clonshire Equestrian Centre Set in the rolling countryside of Co Limerick, and within cantering distance of the luxury Adare Manor, lies a true horse-riding haven, the Clonshire Equestrian Centre. This friendly centre offers a whole fleet of riding holidays as well as stable management classes for children, teenagers and adults. Whether you’re a novice in the saddle or a seasoned rider, Clonshire specialises in all-level courses, from jumping and cross country riding to dressage. Packages can be arranged on a bespoke basis, catering to flexible timelines, from one-day visits to multi-day adult riding camps.

The Curragh Racecourse “Where champions are made.” That’s the motto of The Curragh, Ireland’s leading horse-racing course,

located in the iconic open plains of County Kildare. The attraction, home to Ireland’s five flatrate classics, makes for a thrilling day out on race day with its infectious mix of excitement, suspense and glamour. VIP experiences can also be tailored to visitors’ requests, from private suites or fine dining at the St Leger Restaurant to more casual options such as gourmet picnics on the grounds.

Yoga Mara If you’re looking to reach a new state of zen in 2022, it would be hard to beat a yoga break in the spiritual surrounds of Connemara. Founded

by Galway sisters Rachel and Hannah Healy (the self-billed Yin and Yang of the operation), Yoga Mara offers yoga escapes in some of the most spectacular backdrops in the region. Classes run every week out of their studio in Salthill, while the duo can also create tailor-made experiences for private groups in the great outdoors, with many exciting add-ons like private chefs and cooking demos, too.

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Dior boutique, exclusively at Brown Thomas, Dublin.

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RETAIL THERAPY

E XCLUSIVE SHOPPING IN IREL AND An insider’s guide to the country's most uniquely special retail experiences.

From prestigious department stores to exquisite boutiques, artisan craft shops to luxury outlets, high-end retail therapy is never very far away. Ireland’s buzzing creative scene and a well-established and fine-tuned sense of fashion and design has put it front and centre as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations for shopping tourism. Charmingly inviting, each destination is also the perfect place to pick up something truly inspirational as a gift to bring home - or a way to treat yourself…

Brown Thomas Of all the traditional department stores, the elegant Brown Thomas on Grafton Street in Dublin is one of the classiest, dressing the stylish Irish since 1849. Founded by Hugh Brown and James Thomas, the business grew from humble beginnings as a haberdashery and draper to become an icon of Irish retailing, a place that is both steeped in history and totally of the moment. The essence of the place can be summed up in the welcome you receive, usually by the doorman, dressed in an overcoat and top hat, ushering you into the newly renovated luxury accessories hall on the ground floor. Alongside a carefully curated edit of Ireland’s Luxury Escapes | 65

SHOPPING

Exclusive fitting at Brown Thomas Dublin. Right: Kildare Village.

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RETAIL THERAPY

Irish brands, you'll find all of the top maisons all present and accounted for: Gucci, Burberry, Prada, Cartier, Hermès, Chanel, Tiffany & Co, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta, not to mention the newly opened Dior boutique - the first of its kind in the country. Visitors from outside of the EU can take advantage of exceedingly attractive tax-free shopping A champion of innovation and emerging brands while also home to premium heritage labels, Brown Thomas is a true emporium of unique objects and fashions. Once a year, usually in summer, they host CREATE, a showcase of the hottest new Irish brands from all four corners of the country. It’s a real opportunity of discovery and brings together both new and established designers.

You can easily while away an afternoon here surrounded by the latest looks, from cutting edge Irish designers to international haute couture. We love it and suggest you put it on your must-visit list whenever you land in the Emerald Isle. Brown Thomas is listed among the best in the world, yet remains quintessentially Irish and unique. With four stores across Ireland, the 15,000 square metre Dublin outlet is the jewel of the crown. Housed in an incredibly beautiful historic building spread over five floors and a basement, Brown Thomas offers the very best of luxury.

Kildare Village The Kildare Village outlet is one of 11 luxury shopping destinations in The Bicester Village Shopping Collection dotted across Europe and China,

adjacent to some of the world’s most celebrated cities. Just over an hour from vibrant Dublin, Kildare Village is home to 100 luxury fashion and lifestyle brands… on sale, every day, all year round.

Nestled within idyllic landscaped gardens, the village layout - think individual boutique stores facing an open air pedestrianised boulevard was designed to capture the charm and scale of the region’s stud farms.

Worlds apart from the usual frenetic shopping experience, the Village’s serene atmosphere and labyrinth of beautifully curated stores invite relaxed browsing. This is the place to cherrypick fabulous bargains (with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price) from a host of international brands including Armani, Boss,

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RETAIL THERAPY

Shop traditional textiles and hand-finished shawls at McKernan Woollen Mills.

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RETAIL THERAPY

Coach, DKNY, Mulberry, Prada, The North Face, Zadig & Voltaire, and Pinko together with Irish designers, including Louise Kennedy. A revolving door of pop-up shops, art installations and fun events adds extra appeal to the whole retail experience. Expanding by a third in 2022 to house a raft of high fashion newcomers, Kildare Village surely qualifies as a style Mecca. Adding to its appeal is the array of concierge services available, from hands-free shopping to valet parking as well as personal shopping and a VIP membership programme rewarding frequent shoppers. Plus, there’s a great range of dining options, so you can refuel on coffee and snacks in between shopping or indulge in delicious lunch and dinner choices, and make a day out of it.

VISITORS TO THE TUAMGRANEY WORKSHOP CAN SEE THE WEAVERS IN ACTION AND BROWSE ONE-OFF HOUSE SPECIALS. McKernan Woollen Mills Well known as author Edna O’Brien’s birthplace, picturesque Tuamgraney in east Clare, on the shores of Lough Derg, is a popular tourist stop en route to the Wild Atlantic Way. Pride of place in the village is McKernan Woollen Mills, who weave on century-old Hattersley Domestic Looms, combining all the knowledge and precision-engineering of the 19th century.

The knitted styles are made on their 50-year-old Stoll knitting machine, as well as a modern electronic 8-Gauge machine. Each scarf and shawl is then hand-finished in the McKernans’ workshop. With good craftsmanship, original patterns and harmonious colours, they fabricate scarves that consciously differ from fast-changing fashion trends and often become unique and treasured keepsakes.

Visitors to the Tuamgraney workshop can see the weavers in action, chat to them about the process, and browse for one-off house specials in the showroom. The tours are ideal for fashion and textile enthusiasts, history buffs or indeed anyone who appreciates creativity, luxury and beauty.

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Sculptor Helen Conneely of Celtic Roots Studio, carves a piece of bogwood. Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Celtic Roots Studio In the heart of Ireland, on the outskirts of Athlone, Co Westmeath, the awardwinning Ballinahown Eco-Craft Village is a creative hub for Irish designers and makers. Celtic Roots Studio, led by lead sculptor Helen Conneely.

This co-operative studio and gallery space represents artists who craft sculptures and unique gifts from 5,000-year-old bogwood - found in the nearby Lough Boora bog, where the wood was preserved in the peat.

This natural material was formed from trees that became engulfed in Irish bogs thousands of years ago and preserved in the low-oxygen atmosphere of the peat.

Now, discarded bogwood is reclaimed

by Celtic Roots Studio and slowly dried out over two years before it is carved and polished into contemporary sculpture and jewellery.

Helen’s stunning personalised jewellery comes engraved with a message that connects the wearer with 70 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

the 5,000-year history of the wood.

She creates wish stones and all manner of carvings evocative of the natural world and Irish mythology, which make incredible and special keepsakes.

The artists here have completed commissions on behalf of some of Ireland’s top companies, organisations and government departments. Visitors are encouraged to have a go at the art of bogwood sculpture, feel 5,000 years of history in their hands, and create their own small work of art to bring home. In the Celtic Roots Studio shop, Helen stocks not only their own work but also the work of other artists and craft makers, so there is an incredible selection of beautifully made gifts on offer for every occasion.

Arran Street East Wandering the streets of Dublin’s bustling markets area, your eyes are likely to be drawn to the beautiful glass shopfront of Arran Street East.

Tucked away in a corner of Smithfield in the city centre, the modern ceramics studio has placed itself at the forefront of Dublin’s revived pottery scene with its award-winning homewares and craft workshops.

Visitors to studio can see talented craftspeople at work as they throw and shape the brand’s iconic pots inspired by their urban surroundings.

Combining an ancient craft with modern shapes and colours, these architectural designs can be seen lining the walls of the studio, as well as in the homes of Ireland’s most stylish.

After a bespoke demonstration revealing the ins and outs of Arran Street East’s crafting techniques, guests are invited to take a seat behind the pottery wheel and create their own clay masterpiece to proudly display at home. Guided by an expert potter, this hands-on experience is guaranteed to get creative juices flowing and ignite a new-found passion.

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TIME FOR TE A Looking for the best afternoon tea in Ireland? These are the top spots to enjoy a midday treat.

Edible art-isan treats abound in The Merrion Hotel, Dublin.

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Indulge in the warm welcome of the Cashel Palace Hotel, Co Tipperary.

While the British may have invented afternoon tea, the Irish like to believe they have perfected it. In fact, Irish tea culture dates back to the 1800s, when it was imported from English merchants.

Back then, it was generally of cheaper quality, so they added milk, sometimes as much as 1/3 of the cup, to cover up the taste. This, of course, meant that Irish tea had to be brewed stronger than its English counterpart, a custom which still endures.

No visit to the island of Ireland is complete without whiling away a few hours over a tray of fancies. The only difficult part is choosing where to partake. Naturally, there’s no shortage of traditional options. Just as tempting, however, are the whimsical places that 72 | Ireland’s Luxury Escapes

still deserve a place on our list of the best afternoon teas in the country.

The Shelbourne Hotel There is something deliciously opulent about going to The Shelbourne in the middle of the day. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is a city stalwart, and one of Ireland’s most iconic drawing rooms, which looks out on the only garden grand enough to match: St Stephen’s Green.

Sparkling with light, the room serves as a fitting backdrop to indulge in the celebratory theatre of that most civilised ritual: the art of afternoon tea. The elements of which have remained unchanged for decadess: a fragrant pot of tea, a succession of

sweets and delicate sandwiches, fine china, fresh flowers and shared joy.

On the afternoon tea menu are some Irish flavours including whiskeycured smoked salmon on Guinness bread as well as the more traditional egg mayonnaise and cress finger sandwiches. Scones are topped with lashings of clotted cream and lemon drizzle.The pastries offer an abundance of contemporary twists on classic flavours, and include a raspberry éclair, chocolate sphere, strawberry macaron and peaches and cream like you’ve never tasted before. Be sure to share, so you can try them all - there’s not a dud among them.

The Shelbourne’s afternoon tea is truly delicious, and you will,

INDULGE

undoubtedly, leave feeling very full, as with all of the teas on this list. But something about being in the humming, clinking, tinkling lounge with its high ceilings and attentive never overbearing - staff makes it extra special.

The Merrion Hotel For a very sweet experience, savour the Art Tea at The Merrion Hotel, home to one of the finest private art collections in the country. Some of the key pieces in the collection provide inspiration for a selection of cakes and savoury treats, to be savoured with a chilled glass of champagne, or two. Mixing high tea with high art, executive chef Paul Kelly and his team have reinterpreted some of the most memorable art works from the hotel walls, including ones by Jack B Yeats, William Scott and Louis le Brocquy, and transformed them into a tasty assortment of edible fancies. A newly developed vegan menu offers equally thrilling options.

To enhance the experience, each guest is provided with information on The Merrion’s impressive art collection, so you can read up on the artist and piece being served at your table in the decadent drawing room. Try to nab a table by the fire (yes, even in summer), as this is a really special treat. But for the ultimate extravagance, opt for a glass of champagne to

accompany it all - just be sure to clear your itinerary for the rest of the day, as you’ll be loath to leave.

Cashel Palace Hotel Built in 1732, Cashel Palace was once the home of Ireland’s archbishops. Today, after an impeccable restoration plan, the newly reopened Cashel Palace Hotel is an undeniably grand destination for afternoon tea in the heart of Co Tipperary.

On the menu, freshly baked scones - fruit and plain - are served with clotted cream and a dollop of Tipperarybased Crossogue Preserves jam. Beautifully decorated carrot cake with vanilla buttercream and candied pistachio sits pretty on the silver tea stand accompanied by a delicate raspberry mousse and perfectly made choux buns. For the savoury inclined, Irish smoked salmon and slow cooked chicken sandwiches will leave your mouth watering. The vegetarian options of beetroot tartare and cucumber dill with cream cheese are equally delicious. Served with a pot of steaming tea of your choice in the exquisite Queen Anne Room, this is afternoon tea fit for royalty. For guests savvy enough to have booked a suite for the night, add a glass of Dom Pérignon or the bespoke Cashel Pimms cocktail to round off a sumptuously decadent dining experience.

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Afternoon Tea on the terrace at Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry, makes for an experience you’ll never forget.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel With an extensive selection of the finest teas from around the world including Chinese jasmine pearls and Moroccan mint, afternoon tea at Glenlo Abbey is a truly memorable event.

The menu is quintessentially Irish, made from delicious local ingredients including Connemara salmon and Galway goat’s cheese. Freshly baked scones (fruit or chocolate) come straight from the oven, and are paired with mouth-watering sweet treats. By special request, you can step back in time and dine aboard the Pullman. Comprising of two original carriages from the Orient Express, beautifully restored and set on the grounds of the hotel. Enjoy the luxury and splendour of afternoon tea in style and take in the spectacular views overlooking Glenlo Abbey Estate and Lough Corrib.

The Westbury Hotel In trademark eau de Nil, right down to the tea plates, The Westbury’s Afternoon Tea is an elegant and peaceful affair.

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Served in The Gallery, just off bustling Grafton Street, the capital’s premier shopping district. It’s a delightful place to while away an afternoon, recharging in style after some retail therapy and watching the world going by. And who knew there were so many different types of tea? In addition to the traditional Irish breakfast tea, you will find options from all over the world; but don’t worry - terrifically knowledgeable and helpful staff are on hand to help narrow down the choice. Buttermilk scones (both fruit and plain) are served with lashings of clotted cream and the most delicious tea-infused berry preserves, which will leave you scraping the bottom of the jar. The cake carriage is a feast for the eyes, with miniature handmade desserts including blood orange and dark chocolate crunch bar, and melt-in-your-mouth roasted pistachio and dark chocolate éclairs. Tasty sandwiches on a variety of breads make a welcome savoury intervention and balance out the sweet treats beautifully.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Contributors ROSALEEN McMEEL is an award-winning editor, writer and brand consultant. With over 20 years’ experience in print, digital and TV, she specialises in the fashion and luxury sector.

As former editor of one of Ireland’s premiere magazine titles, and regular contributor to International titles such as The CEO Magazine, she is passionate about shining a spotlight on Ireland’s creatives - from designers to hoteliers - and the unique perspective they offer visitors.

JILLIAN BOLGER is an award-winning editor and writer specialising in food, travel and lifestyle journalism. A member of the Irish Food Writers' Guild for 20 years she has written extensively on Ireland's vibrant food scene for international and home-grown audiences. A restaurant critic and guidebook author, she also acts as a consultant and writer for many of Ireland's leading hotels.

THOMAS BREATHNACH is a travel writer from East Cork and is the current travel editor of The Irish Examiner. Over the past decade, he has reported on Ireland as a travel destination for international titles from The Boston Globe to Men’s Journal covering topics from luxury hotel and castle stays to Ireland’s sustainable food scene. A lover of Ireland’s unspoiled nature and great outdoors, Thom enjoys much of his time staycationing across the country, from camping with his dog in West Cork to puffin watching on Wexford’s Saltee Islands.

GEMMA TIPTON is a writer on contemporary art, design, culture and travel. Writing for The Irish Times, as well as for other Irish and international publications, she is the author and editor of books on art and architecture. Passionate about culture, she is in love with exploring Ireland to discover new and interesting stories and the people who both tell and create them. Gemma also curates exhibitions, and has run arts, food and opera festivals.

NICOLA BRADY is a travel writer who has worked in the industry for over a decade, contributing to publications like CondéNast Traveler, The Times, CNN and the Evening Standard. She writes regularly for the Irish Independent and is the author of Dublin Like A Local (2021) and the cook book And For Mains (2021). While she now lives in Dublin, she was based in Sligo and Leitrim for many years and regularly travels the length and breadth of Ireland to write about what makes the country so special.

SUZIE COEN is a Dublin-based freelance stylist and journalist with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. She is widely recognised for her work in the style pages of prominent Irish publications including IMAGE Magazine, Irish Independent and a host of luxury retail print and digital magazines. A seasoned expert covering fashion, lifestyle and shopping trends, Suzie strongly believes in nurturing homegrown new labels and emerging design talent.

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