Go Wild Staycation Magazine

Fr

ee

Sta

s n o i t yca

Lisa Lambe SHARES HER LOVE LETTER TO IRELAND

Staycations WHAT TO SEE,

DO AND EXPERIENCE NATIONWIDE

Feeling Nostalgic

PADDY BOX’S MARK LOFTUS GOES BACK IN TIME

EYE OF THE STORM

ELAINA FITZGERALD KANE ON THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.

Approved tourism guide to the Wild Atlantic Way Go Wild Staycations, Summer Edition 2020

THE CASINO

MODEL RAILWAY MUSEUM

Find out more and book online 路 malahidecastleandgardens.ie 路 modelrailwaymuseum.ie

路 gpowitnesshistory.ie 路 newbridgehouseandfarm.com

GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH

A debt of gratitude to Ireland’s essential workers - we must never forget your heroic efforts “Theirs is a fundamental role, and currently it is a critical role, as countries around the world are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and its tragic consequences.”

Speaking on International Nurses Day, President Michael D Higgins spoke of the huge debt of gratitude we owe to those who have and continue to risk their safety to protect others.

That sentiment has been echoed by many in respect of the frontline workers who have made an extraordinary contribution in 2020.

There are over 67,000 nurses and midwives working across Ireland today.

As the world stopped in an unprecedented way for so many, it has been these men and women, alongside the healthcare workers, community and supermarket workers, who have continued to keep our communities going.

From the medical staff to those who have worked in essential delivery and food production, the people who continue to care for our vulnerable citizens, the scientists and journalists, Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, there are so many who deserve our thanks and more as we go forward together into the unknown.

There have already been many worthy initiatives to support our frontline citizens.

Feed the Heroes raised €1,427,951, providing over 200,000 meals to boost the mental and physical well-being of those

working long, heart-breaking shifts.

A nationwide #MyHeroes campaign to highlight dedication of frontline workers encouraged people to show their appreciation through social media messages on advertising screens around the country.

The President has called for the ‘hard-earned wisdom’ gained during the pandemic to transform our society.

Nearly one-in-ten diagnosed COVID-19 cases in Ireland have been nurses, according to the INMO. While healthcare workers have also made up over a quarter of the positive cases tested.

This has been a period of great uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Many have lost their livelihoods and our way of life has changed.

Tragically over 1,764 people have died as a result of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland and a further 556 in Northern Ireland. (*figures as of July 26) But there is hope and opportunity.

“It is important that we do not lose sight of the opportunity we have today to draw on those great Irish instincts of solidarity, empathy and kindness to allow us to help each other through this ordeal,” the President added.

“As we continue on this journey, let us walk in unity, supporting each other, carefully and fully following the advice that we have been given, thus keeping each other safe.”

In support of all essential workers in Ireland and across the globe

Ma gazine

Contents P4:

Lisa Lambe – A love letter to Ireland

P69: Seamus Leahy, Invite Resorts

P8:

What to pack on staycation

P70: Eat, sleep, play – For the love of dogs

P10: Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, Irish Hotels Federation

P75: People of the mud

P14: A Donegal welcome

P76: In Focus - Harbour views in East Cork

P16: In Focus - Early birds on the Aran Islands

P78: Grace – An award-winning short story

P20: Clay therapy – Pottery & ceramics

P84: Looking Up – Solar System 2021

P32: Insta-worthy beauty spots

P87: Quiz – How well do you know Roddy Doyle?

P34: My island life with … Darren Kennedy

P91: Chef’s table

P36: Incredible castles

P94: Live like a local in … Dundalk

P40: Go with the flow – Yoga & mindfulness P44: Live like a local in … Tuam P46: Changing seascape – The reinvention of seaweed P48: Siobhán Byrne Learat, Adams & Butler P52: Unmissable walks to experience at least once P56: Rooms with a view P58: The ultimate Irish playlist P60: Róisín Curé – Galway’s urban artist P63: Jody Halstead, Ireland Family Vacations P65: Scents of Ireland

Things to do and see in …

P12: Mayo P18: Cork P24: Dublin P26: Limerick P28: Clare P38: Galway P42: Wicklow P50: Wexford P54: Sligo

P66: Return of the throwback vacay

Join the fun! 

/gowildmagazine



@gowildmagazine



/gowildmagazine

P62: Belfast P68: Northern Ireland P72: Kerry P74: Kildare P80: Kilkenny P86: Waterford P88: Louth P92: Tipperary P96: Causeway Coast

Publisher’s Note Welcome to Go Wild Staycation Magazine

O

ur new National Staycation issue was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced every business to pivot and look at new ways of working through one of the hardest economic times in Ireland.

However, the Go Wild team banded together once again from all parts of the world to create a new 100-page title covering every aspect of staycationing in Ireland so a huge thank you to our entire production and printing teams.

I personally would like to say a special thank you, to our amazing new Editor Siobhán Breatnach, our designer Dave Curtin who keeps all of the accounts in line.

All Go Wild Magazines can be downloaded for free.

You can now also download Go Wild titles anywhere in the world with the PRESSREADER Digital Magazine Platform, which is available on multiple worldwide airlines and top international hotel groups.

Bobby Power

Publisher, Go Wild Magazine titles Email: bobby@gowildmagazine.com Tel: 087 446 7007

Editor’s Note

L

isa Lambe’s love letter to Ireland (pages 4-5) sets an appropriate tone for this special staycation edition of Go Wild Magazine.

An ode to Ireland and its people.

Connecting with each other and the land has never been more important at a time when a global pandemic has been too cruel to too many.

Irish Egyptian singer Shaefri has curated a spectacular playlist (pages 58-59) that will evoke feelings of pure joy.

We could do with that right now.

In different ways we all rely on a strong and healthy Irish tourism industry, whether it’s to pay our wages or give us much needed leisure time and a sense of well-being.

A chance to explore and be free.

It has taken lives not yet lived to the full, stolen precious time with loved ones, robbed us of physical contact and crippled livelihoods.

Our people are leaders of innovation, creativity and humour, and even when times are tough there is always hope that brighter days lie ahead.

But bad times don’t last forever and those who have kindly contributed to this issue bring with them a sense of hope and an enduring desire to support our beautiful island.

Now is a time for peace, love and happiness - it’s also a time for travel and exploration.

Embrace Ireland and enjoy your staycation.

TV presenter Darren Kennedy (page 34) shares some of his favourite spots around the country, while Galway singer and poet Darragh O’Dea (page 44) takes us on an intimate tour of his hometown of Tuam.

Siobhán Breatnach Editor

For all the latest news, visit www.gowildmagazine.com – your official guide to the Wild Atlantic Way

Contacts:

Contributors:

Graphic Design:

bobby@gowildmagazine.com

Siobhán Breatnach

Email: dave@brainstorm.ie

For accounts: Cleo Power, Account Manager

Sales hotline:

Tel: 061 748278

cleo@gowildmagazine.com

Bobby - 087 446 7007

For advertising: Bobby Power, Publisher

Editor:

Creative Director: Dave Curtin

Available from all Fáilte Ireland tourist information offices A special thank you to Fáilte Ireland & Ireland.com for their support with content and imagery

Ma gazine

The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd, t/a Go Wild Magazine. All rights reserved. The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd t/a GoWild Magazine does not accept any responsibility for any advertising content. All unsubscripted manuscripts will not be accepted or returned. No material may be used in whole or in part without the publisher’s prior consent. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of all events, information or recommendations in this magazine, no responsibility will be accepted by The Wild Atlantic Way Magazine Ltd, its editorial team, designers, authors or agents acting on their behalf for alterations, errors or omissions which may occur.

Conn em a r a Lo v er The ability to be at ease in a new place is one of life’s greatest gifts, writes Dublin actress and singer Lisa Lambe in this thought-provoking love letter to Ireland.

Having written her latest album in Connemara before releasing it amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, she reflects on the true meaning of home

Home. Identity. Belonging. The

surroundings was like an ode to the

Confidently alone. Defiantly alone.

place where you live.

landscape. My love letter to nature.

The Juniper tree - the first tree to place

It’s a simple but equally big concept.

It is a living and breathing connection

its roots in Irish soil after the Ice Age.

Especially during this pandemic

and one that I carry with me, when I sing

It wanted to belong and still does.

where almost every human alive

those songs. I feel and sense the memory

During the last couple of months of lockdown,

has been asked to ‘stay at home’.

of the place and try to let that sit alongside

my connection to Galway started to make

me when I’m on stage, or in these times,

sense as I revisited some of my family’s stories.

Where do we feel most at home? Is it

reimagining their reach to an audience.

I begin to see my great, great granny in her

with ourselves? Is it in company?

Although I am very much a

wedding dress on the streets of Galway.

And, where?

Dubliner, Connemara and the

In this picture-perfect postcard, her hand

Where do you truly feel at home?

West equally feels like home.

holding her headdress, her lace dress dancing

Where do you belong?

I love the space, the wilderness, bog roads,

around her in the wind, a wish in her heart.

Of course my answer may change

the rugged sea, the pace, the quiet.

That old romance.

depending who is asking me, and when

One of my most favourite things was

I wonder maybe did I get it from her? The

I am being asked, but right now, I have

walking home from having a nightcap

romance of place. The romance of the heart.

to say, honestly, that it is Ireland.

in Roundstone and stepping out into a

The romance of the landscape is

I don’t mean that in a grand way.

symphony of stars over the harbour.

what brought my favourite painter to

I mean it is in Irish nature.

I used to walk past this old Juniper tree

Inishlacken, Connemara in 1951.

That is where I feel most at home. Most

on a bog road. It simply captured me.

Gerard Dillon took a currach across

myself. In our ever-present Irish landscape.

They say it is a tree of nourishment,

from Roundstone and spent a year

In 2018 and 2019 I spent a lot of time in

constancy, shelter, love and community.

painting the landscape with two friends

Connemara writing an album, Juniper.

It stopped me in my tracks every time is saw

but pretty much in isolation.

I have talked during the process about

it, this ancient magical living thing, reaching

For me, his work captures the most

how making and writing songs in those

out across the skyline of Connemara, alone.

beautiful sense of place. The stone walls,

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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www.gowildmagazine.com

the cottages, the Connemara lovers.

Was it a letter to the nation, to his

Very recently I wrote a song called One

Expression, freedom, an unravelling of the mind

mother, to a lost love, to himself.

Drop of Rain, the word tumbled out if it.

to harvest the inner world reflected in the outer.

Art has always allowed me to leave home

“’Where to go from here? Where do we

We all yearn for that maybe. To pack up with

behind without ever truly going away.

go? How can I find my way home?’

our loved ones and take an adventure.

I think we always want to take a piece

A connection to my home, to my family and

I think as an artist the greatest gift is the

of home with us as we live and breathe

to myself always bring me back to this:

ability to be at home in a new place, to live and

each new landscape, each new sunrise.

breathe that atmosphere and turn it into an

When I close my eyes, I see very

Home is a feeling

artistic expression, and to leave that expression

clearly the Aran Islands last summer,

It is laughter

behind, like a tiny devotion of thanks.

sitting on a warm flagstone.

It is a cycle ride in Kenmare

Painting has always affected me that way.

A book of JM Synge. Bare feet.

It is a walk on Valentia Island

I felt completely at home as a teenager

It reminds me too of being a kid on a boat

It is the Skelligs

walking the collection of Jack B Yeats

to Inisboffin with my mam and dad.

It is wearing an Aran Jumper on Inis Oirr

at the National Gallery of Ireland.

The same rush of sea breeze and

It is the perfect pint of Guinness

That’s when I first fell in love with a

that glorious forward motion and

in O’Dowds Roundstone

painting. It just caught my imagination.

movement to some new adventure.

It is the snug in the Stag’s Head

It stopped me in the same way the

An island in the Atlantic. Nothing more

A toastie in Grogans pub

Juniper tree did years later.

perfect than sharing it with those you love.

It is a Dingle sing-song

It was the colour this time, the

May we have it again, may we

It is watching the sunrise that looks

title of it and the colours.

keep bending like oak trees to keep

like a Gerard Dillon painting

About to write a letter (1935) - a figure

showing up and doing our best.

It is music, the arts

standing by a letter on a scarlet table cover.

Keep adapting to the changes around us

It is those you love

I always wanted to know, did he write the letter?

without losing who we are and where

It is your city.

Did he consider writing the letter and walk

we belong. May we survive this time,

past it? Or if he did write it, what did it say?

and come through it stronger.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Juniper by Lisa Lambe is out now.

www.gowildmagazine.com

INTRODUCING

THE COCKTAIL LOUNGE A new addition to the Steakout experience

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

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Texassteakout.ie

A SHORT STORY THAT TOOK 30 YEARS Back in 1989 when the idea of the Steakout was conceived, there were very few restaurants in Limerick City. It was a gamble to open a restaurant with a Western theme and located in a basement was a huge gamble also. Thankfully it was exactly what the Limerick people were looking for, and they responded accordingly. Back then our Waiting Staff were attired in full Cowboy / Cowgirl regalia, complete with Stetsons, Guns & Holsters!!!! This caused quite a stir and was a great talking point in Limerick at that time. Kids especially were fascinated and spent more time playing with the Staff than eating their food!!

Even, way back then the owners and management were adament to employ staff that were friendly and energetic, with fun personalities and willing to engage and built a relationship with the customers. We to this day have loyal customers coming into to us since 1989. Many have celebrated their Engagements, Marriages, Christenings and sad occasions also with us. This is what makes it all worth while when customers choose to re-visit us time and time again.

In its early days the Steakout had only about 50 seats in one basement, however this wasn’t sufficient so another basement was added a couple of years after opening to take us up to about 90 seats. Again the Steakout grew in popularity and another basement was acquired and we added another 50 seats. We remained with approx 140 seats for many many years.But in 2016 we acquired another basement property and extended into that with another 60 seats added.

This we think will be our final extension – much to the pleasure of our hard-working staff.

BOOKINGS & GIFT CARDS

| TEXASSTEAKOUT.IE | 061 410 350

DIGITAL MENUS

| TSOMENUS.COM

Pack & Go

Planning a staycation? Here’s our guide on some little luxuries to take with you on the road

Travel

Relax

Navy Anthropologist Carry-On Case €748 steamlineluggage.com

Silver Window Pane Throw €87 mcnuttofdonegal.com

Add some glamour to your next trip with this vintage inspired case by Steamline Luggage. Open it up to discover a gorgeous lined canopy of green palms against a night sky.

Made from 100% wool by McNutt of Donegal, this beautiful light-weight blanket is the perfect travel companion.

Drape it on your lap in the car or over the bed at your cottage staycation rental.

Etched Belt Bag €535 unaburke.com This handsome piece from Co. Roscommon designer Úna Burke can be made-to-order and personalised on request. Made from vegetable tanned cowhide, it comes in four colours mustard is our favourite.

The Everywhere Bag €195 awaytravel.com This stylish bag by Away would make a good companion for a weekend trip.

Pop it in the boot and hit the road.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Grey Zig Zag Long Sleeve Sweater €390 rosduke.com Give yourself a textile hug in this 100% cashmere jumper by Dublin designer Ros Duke. Made to be worn and loved for a long time.

Ashley Pyjamas €36.99 shop.mouldedinsideout.com This bright and cheerful pyjama set by African print specialist lifestyle brand M.I.O Prints comes with a satin hair bonnet. Perfect for a cosy night in.

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Enjoy

The Éire Ireland Map Necklace €22 templewolf.com For a subtle nod to the country we love, try this sweet necklace from Dublin accessory and jewellery brand The Temple Wolf. Made with stainless steel, it’s available in gold, rose gold or silver.

Visit Tramore T-Shirt €24.50 hairybaby.com Wear this novelty T-Shirt when you visit the home of sandy beaches, the Metal Man and shellakabookies in the sunny southeast seaside town of Tramore.

Swarovski Optik CL 8x25 Pocket Binoculars €740 connscameras.ie It’s time to go wild! These foldable compact binoculars are perfect for exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Available in black, green and sand brown.

www.gowildmagazine.com

Online booking only at

www.cliffsofmoher.ie Open 8am - 9pm everyday

Awarded the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter

™

Visit early morning or late afternoon for best possible experience United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

Co. Clare, Ireland.

T: +353 65 7086141

E: info@cliffsofmoher.ie

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

‘IT’S ABOUT SURVIVAL’

The tourism industry is vital to our economic recovery says new Irish Hotels Federation President Elaina Fitzgerald Kane

W

hen the COVID-19 crisis struck there was a sense of déjà vu for Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) President Elaina Fitzgerald Kane.

Having just taken over the leadership reigns, she found herself in the middle of catastrophe - just as her mother Mary Fitzgerald, the very first female IHF president, had 20 years earlier when she steered the industry through the fallout from the foot and mouth outbreak and the 9/11 attacks.

“We held our AGM in Galway at the end of February, and on that Wednesday in my very first day in the job, we had our first COVID stakeholders meeting with government,” she says.

“In a way we were so far removed from it back then, no one could have foreseen what was going to happen over the course of the next few weeks.”

Uncertainty and major event cancellations such as the Ireland v Italy Six Nations rugby game and St Patrick’s Day festivities followed.

“That’s our shop window for the world. When something like that happens, it’s unparalleled and will have huge repercussions, but the right decision,” she says.

Fitzgerald Kane is also sales director of the Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, her family’s four-star hotel at Adare, Co. Limerick.

The 89-bedroom hotel, which preCOVID employed 230 people, was established by her parents, Mary and Dick in 1983.

Originally market gardeners, they initially opened a B&B in 1977 to supplement their farming income.

Over the years hospitality became the mainstay and it has now gone full circle with all the current hotel’s 40 acres being organic and the business receiving accreditation from Good Food Ireland last year.

Working alongside her three brothers - David, Conor and Richard Fitzgerald Kane specialises in strategy

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

and marketing, two areas that have served her well in her IHF tenure to date.

She is also a graduate of the Shannon School of Hotel Management, UCG and UCD’s Smurfit Business School.

In March the family made the painful decision to voluntarily close their property – joining around 90 per cent of hotels across the country.

“It all felt a little surreal,” she says.

“You were so conscious of doing the right thing that we made the decision to close the hotel, outside of Christmas Day, for the first time in 36 years.”

Every one of the 105 days that the hotel remained closed cost €2,000 in losses.

Given the nature of tourism, Fitzgerald Kane explains, it was the worst possible time for closures.

Most refurbishments take place in January and February and need to be paid for in March, which is also the worst cash flow month.

“It made our industry that little bit more vulnerable to a degree,” she adds.

Since then, the focus has been on finding ways to work with government to support the industry and its workers.

Initiatives such as the Mid-West Response Group have provided help and upskilling for those who were furloughed.

The Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter has also delivered a sense of safety confidence.

While foundations continue to be laid for fully reopening the industry, there are still some worrying statistics.

Just 30 per cent of rooms have been occupied in Irish hotels in July and August.

Many hotels have also chosen a slower, more cautious approach to reopening due to the challenges of having a zero-business base.

“It’s like starting all over again,” says Fitzgerald Kane. “But it’s been amazing to see people coming back, even local people from 10

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miles away wanting to support the industry, saying ‘we’re here to show confidence’.”

Next comes continued dialogue with the new Irish Government, advocating for subsidy wage schemes and changes to the current testing regime.

There are currently 260,000 people involved in tourism across Ireland, with around 180,000 jobs now at risk.

Fitzgerald Kane says 71 per cent of tourism revenue will be lost this year.

She adds that in 2019 the industry brought in €2billion to the Exchequer while this year tourism is estimated to be just €2billlion in total.

Part of her role on the tourism recovery taskforce will be to provide a series of recommendations to government in terms of rebuilding the industry up to 2023.

“It’s about survival and bringing as many people back to work as we can,” she says.

“We will be working with government and health authorities to make sure we play our part in improving public health - a number one priority for us and our guests.

“Equally that we are supported to help the economic health of the country, which is going to be a very long-range thing.

“In the aftermath of the last recession, tourism created 90,000 new jobs so we know it has a great ability to bring people back to work and bring communities alive.”

As for the future, Fitzgerald Kane believes staycationing is very much where it’s at right now with huge opportunities for people to rediscover places or go on new adventures.

“It’s great to see people out and about and see the creativity that’s coming from our hotel and tourism communities.

“It’s a new normal and we’re all adjusting to make what we do better and safer.”

Interview: Siobhán Breatnach

www.gowildmagazine.com

ROADTRIP IRELAND

Reunite with nature, reconnect with friends, and dine in style with a roadtrip of The iNUA Collection hotels.

B&B FOR 2 PEOPLE FROM ONLY €95 Book at www.inua.ie Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Things to Do in Mayo

Croagh Patrick

Keel Beach

Croagh Patrick is a well-known mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo. You can find it 8km from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. It is the third highest mountain in County Mayo after Mweelrea and Nephin. If you visit, you may be joined by pilgrims who make the journey which Saint Patrick himself once did.

Keel Beach is a beautiful beach, one of Mayo’s finest. It is quite popular with tourists and locals as a surfing location. If you are not into surfing, you can still enjoy the beautiful sand and excellent views.

Clew Bay Achill island Achill Island is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and situated off the west coast. It has a small population of 2,700 and is attached to the mainland by Michael Davitt Bridge. Achill Island occupies an area of some 57sq miles but its actual coastline, including all the inlets and spars, measures over 80 miles. Two particular stretches of road have been designated as Achill’s Atlantic Drive; a spectacular journey with breathtaking views, which can be completed in a vehicle, by bicycle or on foot.

Moyne Abbey

Want to see an amazing island formation without having to travel to the Caribbean? Then go to Clew Bay, a natural ocean bay, which contains Ireland’s best example of sunken drumlins.

Downpatrick Head Just a few miles north of Ballycastle village, is the windswept outcrop of Downpatrick Head. This is the perfect place to park up and stretch your legs with an invigorating coastal walk. The name Downpatrick is derived from a time when Saint Patrick himself founded a church here. You can still see the ruins of the church building, a stone cross and holy well today.

Moyne Abbey has to be one of most impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo and is recognised as a national monument. It was built by the Burke family, consecrated in 1462 and is located north of Ballina on the west side of Killala Bay. The friary was built in the late Irish Gothic style and has extensive ruins, consisting of a church and domestic buildings situated around a central cloister.

The Coffin Ship This piece of art by John Behan is an impressive monument showing a ship full of skeletons, a symbol to remember all the people who died on the ships to America when they wanted to escape Ireland’s potato famine in the 19th Century. The monument was unveiled in 1997 to mark the 150th anniversary of the famine.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Keem Bay Keem Bay is a heavenly secluded valley at the very western tip of Achill Island. It is extremely popular during warmer months when the strand is a magnet for beach-goers and those interested in scenic walks. This bay was formerly the site of a basking shark fishery and a British Army lookout post.

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With vibrant Ballina at its heart, North Mayo is blessed with a breathtaking Atlantic coastline, stunning rugged landscapes and thousands of years of history. A hidden gem along the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s the perfect destination to make a break for it, recharge and reconnect with nature.

From Ballina to Belmullet, North Mayo’s reputation as a secret gem continues to attract attention, as visitors discover the charms of this off-the-beaten-track destination with its ancient history, glorious wide open spaces and warm welcomes. Here are some tips to help you plan your North Mayo visit!

1

Take to the trails

A walker’s paradise, North Mayo boasts over 50 marked trails catering for all fitness levels. Grab your boots and Mayo.ie’s ‘A Guide to Walking in North Mayo’ from the tourist office or our website. For a guided walking experience, contact Sláinte Ireland Tours (slainteirelandtours.ie), Terra Firma Ireland (terrafirmaireland.com) for a night walking experience, or find Walk West Ireland on Facebook.

2

Get cultured

On rainy days, immerse yourself in history. Learn about a legendary collector in Ballina’s fascinating Jackie Clarke Collection (clarkecollection.ie), one of Ireland’s great patriots in the Michael Davitt Museum (michaeldavittmuseum.ie), take the mills tour at Foxford Woollen Mills (foxfordwoollenmills.com) or explore the quirky Marshall Doran Collection (belleekcastle.com). The newly opened Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ballycastle boasts a wonderful contemporary art collection (ballinglenartsfoundation.org).

3

Soak in our ecclesiastical history

By car, bike or foot, explore the Monasteries of the Moy, Rathfran, Moyne, and Rosserk, a series of beautifully well-preserved Franciscan abbeys dotted along this iconic river as it winds its way from Ballina to Killala Bay.

4

Outdoor adventures

Get your heart rate going! Learn to surf with 7th Wave Surf School in Enniscrone (surfsligo.com), paddleboard up the River Moy with Harbour SUP’n’Sail (harboursupsail.com), enjoy an electric adventure with Rachel’s Bikes2Rent, pony-trek with Iceford Stables (icefordstables.com), take a shot at Ballina Golf Club (ballina-golf.com)or forage the shoreline with Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours (wildatlanticculturaltours.com).

5

Coffee and chill

Enjoy afternoon tea at one of our beautiful hotels or linger in our local cafés - Mary’s Cottage Kitchen, Ballycastle, On the Way Café in Killala, Dave’s Deli in Ballina, or Easkey’s famous Pudding Row. Or enjoy an expertly made espresso martini in hip Hogan’s Bar!

Best savoured slowly, North Mayo is not just a place to visit, but a place to truly feel alive.

For more information, visit mayonorth.ie

TIME AND SPACE Cathrine Burke and Niall Campbell have created a modern retreat in Horn Head on the tip of Co. Donegal. Their approach at Breac.House, focusing on local crafts and striking architecture, has given the traditional concept of bed and breakfast a new lease of life, writes SIOBHÁN BREATNACH

How have you redefined

Eddie Doherty - Tweed

the concept of B&B?

throughout the house

We wanted to take all the things that

The Veneerist - Wooden bathroom

concept was going to be important to us.

Where’s good to eat nearby?

There is a great food scene in Donegal

people love about the B&B experience

beakers and wooden rituals box

and take it to the next level of modern

McNutts - Linen sauna towels

comprising some fantastic long-

hospitality to include concierge style

The Pear in Paper - Bespoke prints

standing establishments and newer

bespoke service, thoughtful design,

Atlantic Equipment project - Picnic bags

ventures by young chefs returning

simple but delicious local food, extra

Superfolk - Bespoke prints

to the area. In our local town of

services such as our seaweed bath and

Tricia Harris - Living room

Dunfanaghy, guests absolutely adore the

wood fired sauna and a sense of total

unit and in-room chairs

sourdough pizza in The Rusty Oven.

and complete privacy and relaxation.

Simon O’Driscoll - Sofa and table

For something special with views over the bay, it’s hard to beat The Cove.

We toyed with so many names How do you define luxury?

There are also great options including

closer to the European concept

We believe modern luxury is

Fisk in Downings, Batch in Falcarragh

of an inn so we generally define

about time, space and generosity.

for the concept as we are probably

ourselves as a modern retreat.

Why was it important to incorporate the work of nearby craftspeople?

For us, modern travel is all about connection. We feel strongly that even those with us for a short

and Teach Coll in Magheraorty.

Life is very busy for most people so the last thing you need on a break is to

Aside from Breac.House,

feel constrained or limited in any way.

where would you choose to

So we provide the time and the space to do loads or nothing, to just

staycation in Ireland?

Obviously we are pretty biased

be, to catch up with each other, to

on this one as there are so many

sleep and eat and to breathe.

amazing locations and hospitality

Our concept of generosity is simply

providers in Donegal.

Donegal has everything from the

stay should feel some connection

that once you book with us, you

to the people and this place.

have everything you need whether

beautiful family run country houses,

it’s pre-dinner drinks or unlimited

Rathmullan House and Castle Grove

supplies of treats and mineral water.

House, to more modern accommodation

When guests arrive, the first thing we do is bring them to the large window in

with amazing food at Carnaween House

the living area that provides an almost complete view of the northwest coast from

What was the inspiration behind

Sheephaven Bay across to Bloodyforeland.

the name Breac.House?

Almost everything they see, touch,

Breac.House takes its name from the

(Narin/Portnoo). Further afield, Inis Meain Restaurant and Suites is a very unique place and it’s really hard to beat

taste and experience during a stay comes

town land of Lurgabrack on Horn Head

the sublime food and amazing hospitality

from people who live within that view.

in which we are situated. Lurgabrack is

at The Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna.

It has been one of the great joys of

an Irish language name, meaning ‘the

the project to work so closely with

specked shin’, which describes both the

so many makers, some just starting

speckled landscape and our location

out and some representing the very

at the shin end of the leg that is the

best of Donegal’s craft heritage.

Horn Head peninsula. In a nice local geographic and linguistic twist of fate,

Keeping it local – makers to look out for

the Irish name for trout is also ‘breac’

Donegal Natural Soap Co

meaning the specked fish. As we also

Bespoke toiletries

overlook an inland lake, which is famed

Muck n Muffins - Breakfast crockery

for its stocks of brown trout, we knew the

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy F

ishers of Newtownmountkennedy Ltd is a family-owned awardwinning, boutique department store located in County Wicklow.

about what they do, and live by their core values of excellent, personal customer service and a superb range of the best quality products.

Over the last 41 years, it has grown from a small countryclothing outfitter to a hub of retail activity with a menswear shop, ladies boutique, kids shop, gifts, homeware and accessories

They are determined to maintain all that’s good about local family businesses in Ireland, taking a real interest in their customers, especially now, keeping their warm welcome while upholding the very best safety standards. They’ve created private booths in the cafe, offer masks to their customers, sanitizers and uniquely they have also developed a system to allow their changing rooms open safely.

Also on site are a hair salon, bedding store, gallery, an award-winning café, and a self-catering cottage, so something for everyone!

The cafe is particularly worth a visit with freshly baked treats prepared every day and a lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, quiches and the most delicious soups all made with the freshest local ingredients.

The team at Fishers are passionate

Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 1030am – 5pm, Sundays 11am- 5pm Private Shopping please call 01-2819404 book www.fishers.ie

Shop Safe at Fishers

of Newtownmountkennedy

Boutique Department Store Est. 1979

Ladies Boutique

Menswear

open 7 days a week 10.30am - 5pm (Sundays 11am - 5pm)

Café

Gifts, Childrenswear, Homeware, Beds of a Feather & The Schoolhouse Studio The Old Schoolhouse, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow fishersofnewtownmountkennedy

you can also shop online at

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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www.gowildmagazine.com

EARLY BIRDS The early bird gets the worm. Or in the case of Inis Mór, it’s the early bird adventurers who get to make a splash at The Wormhole.

Poll na bPéist, to give it its Irish name, is a stunning natural wonder located in Galway Bay on the western side of the largest of the Aran Islands.

Also referred to as The Serpent’s Lair, this naturally formed swimming pool has a series of hidden channels connected to the sea.

A dip in the ocean doesn’t get more anymore refreshing, as this picture by photographer Lukasz Warzecha shows.

Photo courtesy of Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland

Things to Do in Cork St. Finbarre’s Cathedral A leisurely 10-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street takes visitors to this Anglican Cathedral. If preferred, a bus journey (No’s 214, 208, 203) will shave a couple of minutes off the journey time. The eye-catching structure in French Early Gothic style was designed

by William Burges and consecrated in 1870. It’s situated on a site where Christian worship has been taking place since the 7th Century. By its completion, in excess of £100,000 was spent on the building, an enormous amount of money at the time.

Farmgate Cafe

The English Market In the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its centre, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it’s one of the world’s oldest municipal markets. Artisan breads, fruit, and freshly caught seafood are just some of the specialities on offer. In recent years, the market gained worldwide fame when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain dropped by on her first-ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.

An unmissable experience at the heart of the English Market, the Farmgate is perched on a balcony overlooking the food stalls below, the source of all that fresh local produce on your plate – everything from crab and oysters, to the lamb in your Irish stew. Go up the stairs and turn left for table service, or right for counter service.

St. Patrick’s Street This has remained Cork’s main shopping hub. An easy couple of minutes’ stroll from The English Market and known locally as “Pana” the broad, curving street boasts many fine shops. Various architectural styles reflect change over the past 200 years or so.

Cork City Gaol Another of Cork city’s must-dos is the atmospheric and historic City Gaol, which opened in 1824 and closed in 1923. Originally the prison housed both male and female prisoners who committed crimes within the city borders. In 1878, the City Gaol became an all-female prison, which it remained until men opposed to the 1920 Anglo-Irish Treaty were incarcerated there in 1922-1923. The complex then deteriorated until its restoration and re-opening to the public as a tourist attraction in 1993.

Crawford Art Gallery A two-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street, art-lovers may like to take in this regional museum dedicated to the visual arts, both historic and contemporary. The gallery receives in excess of 200,000 visitors per annum and hosts a range of permanent exhibitions including 18th Century European and Irish sculpture, a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, and contemporary video installations.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Cork Opera House Given a modern makeover in the 1990s, this leading venue has been entertaining the city for more than 150 years with everything from opera and ballet to stand-up comedy, pop concerts and puppet shows. Around the back, the Half Moon Theatre presents contemporary theatre, dance, art and occasional club nights.

Franciscan Well Brewery The copper vats gleaming behind the bar give the game away, the Franciscan Well brews its own beer. The best place to enjoy it is in the enormous beer garden at the back. The pub holds regular beer festivals together with other small independent Irish breweries.

Triskel Arts Centre A fantastic cultural centre housed partly in a renovated church building – expect a varied programme of live music, installation art, photography and theatre at this intimate venue. There’s also a cinema (from 6.30pm) and a great cafe.

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CLAY THERAPY

Why pottery & ceramics are trending now Pottery and ceramics are

discovered at a Neolithic tomb in

enjoying their moment in the

Killaclohane, Co. Kerry in 2015,

spotlight right now.

while the fine ware industry date

With surprising celebrity fans including Brad Pitt and Leonardo

back to the late 17th century.

SIOBHÁN BREATNACH goes

di Caprio, Instagram and YouTube

behind the potter’s wheel to meet

is heaving with #pottery videos

three creatives whose spectacular

of people showcasing their throw

work you should look out for on

down skills online.

your travels.

Credited with mood enhancing

The first time ceramic artist &

and mindfulness qualities, TV

designer Claire Murrdock saw

shows like Channel 4’s The Great

someone working at the wheel she

Pottery Throw Down have also

was completely mesmerised.

helped boost people’s interest

Having first become interested

in private throwing classes and

in ceramics at school, her interest

sculpture workshops.

in the artform has only continued

While rare vases can often sell for millions of euros, the true

to grow.

“I always loved art but I first

beauty of everyday ceramics and

became interested in ceramics at

pottery is that it is both accessible

GCSE level. I coiled and hand-built

to create and buy for home potter

this very large teapot with a cat on

enthusiasts.

the lid and tail around the side,”

In March this year, Mud Ireland opened a pottery studio at the

she says.

“I did very little clay work during

Portadown Wellness Centre to help

my last two years at grammar

people struggling with anxiety,

school but after A-levels I went to

loneliness and mental health.

a technical college in Ballymena

While in April the Design &

to do a Foundation Diploma in Art

Crafts Council Ireland launched

and Design were I worked with

Get Ireland Making - a series of

clay a little bit more.”

online workshops to connect the public with the craft community.

From there she applied to the University of Ulster Art College in

There is a long-time tradition of

Belfast, graduating with a degree

master potters and ceramicists on

in Contemporary and Applied Art

the island.

specialising in Ceramics in 2013.

Fragments of coil pots dating

“In our very first weeks there we

from 6,000 BC, the oldest

received a wheel throwing demo

ever found in Ireland, were

from our tutor Clive,” she says.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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“It was the first time I had ever seen anyone working on a wheel and I was mesmerised.

“I said to myself that day I must learn how to do this. Since then almost all of my work has been wheel-based.”

As a contemporary crafts person, Claire is known for her distinctive large-scale moon jars and tableware, made from a variety of clays.

Each piece is fired in a gas reduction kiln best suited to her choice of tenmoku, celadon and blue chun glazes.

“I am always complimented for my tidiness and finish. I have a very calculated and considered way of working and I enjoy testing and researching early on to try and iron out any potential flaws and control the final outcome as best I can,” Claire says.

“I think it’s fair to say I am a perfectionist and I always strive for perfection but knowing I will never find it in ceramics endears me all the more and drives my passion for clay all the further.”

Her work, she adds, takes two very different paths.

“My largescale wheel-thrown moon jars are intended to come across as strong robust statement pieces and my wheel-thrown tableware is intended for everyday use, to be beautiful objects but

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Louis Mulcahy The ideal stop on the Dingle Slea Head Route, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Louis Mulcahy’s pottery workshop and showroom is the home of Ireland’s pre-eminent potter. Here you will find thousands of exquisite pieces, designed, and made on site by Louis, along with his team. Each piece reflects the picturesque surroundings. Inspired by the blue of the sea, the browns of the hillside, speckled with the purple heather and the roaring red sunsets, Louis’ large vases, urns, bowls, lamps, masks and druid figures are a must-have for the discerning buyer.

Louis’ Pottery, nestled at the foot of a mountain and overlooking the wild Atlantic of Clogher strand, has been built up over forty years, and is renowned worldwide.

The shop/showroom is open 7 days a week throughout the year. His online shop carries the full range of giftware, tableware, lamps and shades and shipping worldwide is available at competitive rates. www.louismulcahy.com

WORKSHOP

•

SHOWROOM

Distinctive pieces made with skill and passion by the team in our Workshop near Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry

The Perfect Stop on Dingle’s Slea Head Drive

Open 7 Days, All Year Oscailte Gach Lá

Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co. Kerry

Tel Fón: 066 9156229 • www.louismulcahy.com

Google Maps: V92 NV04

functional and comfortable to

the degree course I did at the

use.”

University of Ulster in Belfast is

A move towards personalisation

closing down, sadly, as it wasn’t

and handmade products is behind

getting the intake numbers. This

pottery and ceramics increasing

seems to be a growing issue as

popularity, Claire believes.

other degree courses have also

“People are beginning to value handmade products more and

closed or are closing down.”

Not yet a full-time maker,

more. They can engage with

Claire expects it will take another

a piece more if it’s made by

year before she can give up her

hand particularly if it is a piece

other job where she works three

that someone has got made

days a week in a pottery supply

especially as it’s more personal

warehouse.

and individual to them and their tastes.

“A piece from Ikea just wouldn’t

Having spent almost 10 years studying and making with clay and a wheel, she is now focusing

have the same feel, comfort and

on growing her business and

character as one made by hand.”

customer base.

For those looking to expand

“Starting out, unless you

beyond the superb talents of

have a lot of money it is very

Irish potters, Claire has some

difficult,” she says. “Equipment

favourites.

and materials and overheads are

“Potters like Adam Buick

costly. To try and break even I

and his astoundingly beautiful

needed to have another job and

moon jars, Svend Bayer and his

wage to fall back on because

uniquely wood fired pots and

pottery sales aren’t always

Lisa Hammond who is known for

consistent all year.

her beautiful salt and soda fired

“To make a successful living,

pots,” she says. “Walter Keeler is

especially if you try to do it all

also known for his reinvention

yourself and can’t afford to pay

of the language of functional

anyone else to help, you need a

ceramics with his thrown and

quality product to sell that people

altered tableware forms and lastly

want to buy and good technical.

Takashi Yasuda for his luscious

Making your own glazes helps

thrown porcelain and celadon

and saves a lot of money. Having

glazes.”

a scientific and mathematical

Irish ceramics and pottery continues to change, says the Ballymena, Co. Antrim based artist.

“On one hand pottery has

min as well as kiln and firing experience and skills really helps.

“Understand your niche and market and where your works fits.

Good communication, networking

become more accessible with more

and social media skills also

pop-up classes, more local potters

helps in this day and age as does

emerging, and supplies readily

marketing, photography and

available.

display interpretation.

“There’s also some degree of

“You should also have a website

clay education still in primary

where you can promote and sell

and secondary schools, more craft

your work,” she adds.

and trade fairs, and more to date,

“I wouldn’t class myself as a

programmes such as The Great

professional potter but the advice

Pottery Throw Down raising the

I would give to anyone looking to

profile and awareness.

go from amateur to professional

“On the other hand further education in ceramics like

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

pottery would be to prepare yourself for a lot of hard graft,

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early mornings, late nights and to be more than just a potter.”

ARTISTS TO WATCH Etaoin O’Reilly Etaoin O’Reilly is currently undertaking a visual artist residency in An Táin Art Centre in Co. Louth.

At the end of the residency in September she will be putting on a solo show called The Thriving Flower - a new body of work made throughout her residency. She is also taking part in the Ceramics Ireland Members Exhibition in Dublin Castle in August.

Having studied at the National College of Art and Design she won the overall Student Future Makers Award for her degree show work The Buggaplants in 2014.

That led to an internship in London with renowned potter Kate Malone.

Bright colour, playfulness and the eccentric artistic movement of the 60s and 70s are O’Reilly’s biggest sources of inspiration.

Aisling McElwain This Kilkenny city awardwinning artist is taking part in the Ceramics Ireland Triennial Exhibition opening in Dublin in August.

Having graduated from the DCCOI Ceramics Skills and Design Course in 2016, she set up Aisling McElwain Ceramics later that same year where she creates classic pieces with a contemporary feel by hand.

A former GIS technician working on web mapping applications, her work continues to be inspired by geology.

In 2018, McElwain won the Image Interiors award for best tableware, of which she currently has two ranges available – Slate and Jade.

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Escape to Mulranny

The Wild Atlantic Way at Our Front Door and the Great Western Greenway at Our Back Door

Call 098 3600 FOR RESERVATIONS

Mulranny, Westport, Co Mayo www.mulrannyparkhotel.ie

Insid e this issue: Inside Story

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10 Reasons to visit Dublin Molly Malone The song ‘Cockles and Mussels’ is the unofficial anthem of Dublin city. The song’s tragic heroine Molly Malone and her barrow have come to stand as one of the most familiar symbols of the capital.

The statue of Molly Malone is located on Suffolk Street, just a short walk from Trinity College and Grafton Street. Molly Malone worked as a fishmonger but also as a working girl and died in one of the outbreaks of Cholera that regularly used to sweep the city of Dublin. The statue of Molly and her cart is affectionately nicknamed ‘The Tart with the Cart’ by Dubliners.

Moore Street Market Moore Street Market is an open-air fruit and vegetable market, which is held from Monday to Saturday. This colourful and lively street is a must for visitors wishing to experience a slice of life and get a flavour of Dublin through the wit of its people. The Moore Street accent, with its typical Dublin street cries, is widely celebrated.

Stroll along Grafton Street Running from Stephen’s Green in the south to College Green in the north, Grafton Street is one of the busiest streets in Ireland and one of Dublin’s most prominent shopping districts. It is full of high street and up-market shops, department stores and shopping centres and is the perfect place to stroll along as you window shop, or pause to watch one of the many buskers and street performers.

Many of Ireland’s biggest music acts such as singer/ songwriter Damien Rice, Academy Award Winner Glen Hansard and AngloIrish band Keywest started out busking on Grafton Street.

Dublin Zoo Located in Phoenix Park, in the heart of Dublin City, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s most popular family attraction, and welcomed over one million visitors last year. As one of the world’s oldest zoos, the 28-hectare park is home to some 400 animals in an environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Dublin Zoo is much more than a fun-filled, stimulating day out for all the family...it’s a place to learn about wild animals, especially those which are endangered. The zoo is a registered charity – your visit will help maintain Dublin Zoo and contribute to conservation programmes.

15cm in diameter at its apex. The upper part of the Spire sways gently when the wind blows, reflecting the character of the city’s climate. The monument’s tip can sway up to a maximum of 1.5m under extreme wind loading; don’t be too alarmed if you’re nearby when this happens!

Take a tour at the Jameson Distillery The new look Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers three fully guided experiences: Bow St. Experience, The Whiskey Makers, and The Whiskey Shakers - all of which have a firm focus on immersive storytelling. You’ll be invited to touch, smell and most importantly, taste Jameson in the original Bow St. Distillery buildings. An exciting part of their Whiskey Makers & Whiskey Shakers experiences is a visit to their live Maturation Warehouse, where you’ll get to taste Jameson straight from the barrel.

Take a walk over Ha’penny Bridge The Ha’penny Bridge is the best-known and most photographed of Dublin’s bridges. It was built in 1816 and was the first iron bridge in Ireland. It is a single span structure with cast iron railings and decorative lamps. It was originally named the Liffey Bridge but is now called the Ha’penny because until 1919, to cross it there was a half-penny charge.

Explore Dublin Castle Erected in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction.

General Post Office Located on O’Connell Street, The General Post Office (GPO) was the last of Dublin’s prominent public Georgian buildings to be built. Completed in 1818, the GPO still serves Dublin as a post office and a notable landmark.

The GPO is one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, given its role in the 1916 Easter Rising. The building served as the headquarters for the Easter Rising and got heavily damaged in the fighting.

Heralded as a symbol of Irish independence, the GPO houses a small museum on the building’s place in Irish life.

Marvel at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The building is a busy place that serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and as a host for many events. As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.

Get a photo at the Spire The huge, striking and innovative monument stands in the middle of O’Connell Street just across from the famous GPO. 120m high and 3m in diameter at the base, the Spire rises above O’Connell Street, breaking above the roof line with as slender and elegant a movement as is technically possible. The Spire is approximately

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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DAY TOURS Cliffs of Moher / Wild Atlantic Way / Galway City day tour: Enjoy 2 hour visit at the Cliffs of Moher, ticket includes admittance to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. A scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way Coast. Visit Galway City, the bohemian and cultural capital of Ireland. A 2 hours visit includes a free walking tour of the City provided by the Tour Guide.

Giants Causeway / Belfast Titanic Museum / Belfast City Black Taxi Political Tour / Carrick Rede Rope Bridge: All attraction costs included in ticket to include admittance access the Giants Causeway Heritage Centre & a guide walk with the Park Ranger.

• • •

Kilkenny City / Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough / Irish Sheep Dog Trials day tour: Includes walking tours of Kilkenny City & Glendalough Monastic site. A visit to a working sheep farm with sheep dog trials and the opportunity with the farmer to handle the lambs (bred for us all year round). Photographic stop at the top of the Wicklow Mountains. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Medieval Kilkenny City with your Tour Guide also included in the ticket price. 2 hours at Glendalough and 2 hours + 30 mins Kilkenny City Game of Thrones & Giants Causeway: Visiting the Antrim coast and caves, Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges. The Giants Causeway and Dun Luce Castle.

All coaches are luxurious touring specification fitted with free unlimited 4G WIFI onboard.

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Visit Wild Rover Tours city centre walk in tourist offices for many special offers.

Tourist Office Dublin | 33 Bachelors Walk (corner O’Connell Bridge) | Dublin 1 | Temple Bar Tourist Office | Market Square

Things to Do in Limerick a century and-a-half, making it one of Ireland’s most enticing markets. While it can be quiet during the week, it really comes to life on bustling Saturdays.

Terra Nova Fairy Garden For many, the mythical side of Irish life is one of the great Irish experiences. As legend would have it, Terra Nova is a magical garden that contains an ancient fairy fort dating back thousands of years, though the addition of modern fairy statues and magical touches will probably entice most visitors. Atmospheric, to say the least.

King John’s Castle On the banks of the Shannon River stands King John’s 13th Century fortress. The fortress was recently renovated to better explain its history, which includes medieval battles, a siege and, naturally, a lot of inter-kingdom trade. With a self-led tour and lots of interactive displays to explore, it’s also home to the best view of the stunning Shannon River that you’ll find.

Adare Thomond Park The home to Munster, the iconic rugby team, representing Ireland’s south province, plays the majority of its home games at this smart, modern stadium. Thomond Park also hosts the occasional gig and colourful storytelling tours for non-event days. Munster is at the very core of Limerick life, making this an essential stop-off.

St. Mary’s Cathedral One of two cathedrals in the city, St. Mary’s has been at the heart of Limerick’s religious life since the 12th Century. Being the oldest building in the city, much of Limerick has grown up around this spot and you can touch a little of that history in the scratch marks around the west door where defenders of the city sharpened their swords, during the city siege, eight centuries ago.

Adare is your typical picture-perfect postcard of a 13th Century village, set against a rural river bank and is just gorgeous. The Heritage Centre, creamery,manor and abbey make it a very worthwhile way of spending a day and gives you a very different sense of what Limerick is, other than the city itself.

The Hunt Museum A locally themed, ever-changing museum displaying the largest private collection in Ireland, The Hunt Museum mixes art, antiques, early Irish history and the establishment of Christian institutions. There’s a strong collection from Greece and Italy too but it’s the local history, covered in detail through eclectic items, ranging from tribal drinking horns to Celtic cross carvings, that’s the must-see.

Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum The Milk Market Limerick’s home to all the locally produced fresh food you could ask for (and a growing number of impressive foodie offerings based upon farm products, in particular). The iconic Milk Market is full of great finds, while its surroundings date back more than

Go Wild Magazine - Summer Edition 2019

This appealing mishmash of attractions hosts a full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, an exhibition on the history of Shannon River and a nearby 1940s style tearoom. There are also Irish coffees served in this spot that claims to have invented them. The exploration of 1930s and 1940s trans-Atlantic flights, once the the preserve of the uber-rich, is also a highlight.

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Things to Do in Clare Scattery Island A small monastic settlement a few kilometres from the Kilrush shore, Scattery Island boasts a still-functioning lighthouse, six ancient church ruins and one of the highest round towers (120ft/36.5m) in the country. A historic island, Scattery has seen its fair share of invasions and has plenty of far-fetched legends and tales to tell.

Aillwee & Doolin Caves

Durty Nellys in Bunratty Celebrating 400 years in 2020. An amazingly authentic Irish pub where visitors can enjoy great craic, traditional music and excellent food and drink. Nelly’s sing songs are legendary.

At the Aillwee Cave, take a tour of this stony underworld of winding passages, chasms, strange rock formations and waterfalls.

While at Doolin Cave with its famous Great Stalactite, head 200ft underground to go an astonishing 350 million years back in time.

Loop Head & Lighthouse On the Loop Head Peninsula, right on the very western edge of Clare, you’ll find this pristine lighthouse, with views that unravel all the way to the Cliffs of Moher. Head to the top of the lighthouse to take it all in from a 90-metre height and keep an eye out for the 160+ dolphins that call these waters home.

Craggaunowen Ireland’s award winning Prehistoric Park. Explore the roots of the people, animals and artefacts of our Celtic ancestors of over 1,000 years ago. Experience Craggaunowen Castle, explore the ‘Brendan Boat’, the boat in which Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to the United States and see how Celts made their homes on a Crannóg.

Open April to October. https://www.craggaunowen.ie

Poulnabrone Dolmen One of the most memorable spots in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, sitting high on a limestone plateau you’ll find the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen. This portal tomb is one of Ireland’s most recognisable archaeological sites and is the oldest megalithic monument in the country.

The Burren Ticking all the boxes as an historical, geomorphic, geological and archaeological wonder, the intriguing stony karst landscape of the Burren is a marvel to roam, cycle, spot unique flora and fauna on and even follow a food trail over. At its UNESCO-recognised geopark, discover the longest cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe and plenty more.

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www.gowildmagazine.com

Powering The Falls The Falls Hotel & Spa, a 140 bedroom family run hotel in Ennistymon, Co Clare, is powering itself from the energy provided from the fast flowing river Inagh and cascades alongside it. Set at the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Geopark, the hotel owners, the McCarthy’s, were acutely aware of making their hotel more environmentally sustainable. As members of Green Hospitality, the family have always been environmentally conscious in their operations. The installation of a hydro power turbine on the river is the most ambitious project they have undertaken. Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and turned into electricity.

The 220 kilowatt water turbine is providing the Falls Hotel with 100% of its power, when the river is at full flow. It is amazing to know that the flow of nature can be harnessed into energy in such a way.

The hotel has greatly reduced it’s dependency on carbon fuels, thus reducing it’s carbon footprint.

They are on track to reduce their electricity consumption by 800,000kw of electricity, offsetting approximately 550 tonnes of carbon. This is the equivalent of offsetting three return trips, by car, to the moon!

At the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way

Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher & Burren Geopark DisCover the lanDsCape, the fooD, the people...the wilD outDoors at your finGertips

Dine at The Falls...

Stay at The Falls...

Relax at The Falls...

Falls Hotel & Spa Ennistymon, Co Clare

+353 (0)65 707 1004 reservations@fallshotel.ie www.fallshotel.ie

Peter Curtin

Burren Brewery N

ine years ago, Peter Curtin set up a microbrewery under the roof of the Roadside Tavern,

which has housed a few generations of Curtins, a bakery, butter market and a pub. And now a brewery.

A while ago, he collected wild yeast in the Burren, close to the Atlantic, which he then used to brew a beer following an ancient Irish brewing technique. No hops are used in this gruit beer called “Euphoria”, just wild herbs collected by a local herbalist. It is refreshing and fruity, and induces a mild euphoria, hence the name.

All the beers brewed by Peter – the Burren Gold, the Burren Red (ale), the Burren Black and the Euphoria – go really well with the foods on the gastro-pub’s menu. It features Irish cuisine with a modern twist and locally sourced ingredients like the Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon from the Burren Smokehouse. People travel from far to be able to taste the Hot & Cold Smoked Salmon Tagliatelle or the Hot Smoked Salmon on a bed of spring onion mash.

The Burren Brewery beers are only available in the Roadside Tavern and the Burren Storehouse next door, where the smoked salmon is a firm favourite as a pizza topping.

A beer tasting experience is available in the Roadside Tavern, or alternatively, a Meet the Maker tour starting at the Burren Smokehouse and ending in the Roadside Tavern with a beer and a smoked salmon tasting plate. Both experiences are guided by the owners of the premises.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Peter Curtin in the Burren Brewery

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www.gowildmagazine.com

Taste, Learn, Shop at the Burren Smokehouse with its two different visitor experiences.

In the stylish Tasting Room & Visitor Centre, explore the demo kiln and smell the delicate scent of the smoke. Enjoy a tasting of the Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon and other delicacies. Watch a short, multilingual video to learn about the smoking process. Discover the history of the Burren Smokehouse on the story boards.

Go fun & interactive in the brand new Taste the Atlantic - The Salmon Experience!

Follow the Irish Salmon through time Watch the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge unfold before your eyes Learn about old ways of fishing salmon Solve jigsaw puzzles & quizzes and take snappy selfies Suitable and fun for school children and adults alike

Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare V95 HD70 W. www.burrensmokehouse.ie E. info@burrensmokehouse.ie Ph. +353 (0)65 7074432

CHANGING SEASCAPE W

ith both economic and ecological benefits, it’s no wonder that seaweed is becoming a star player of late. Seaweed harvesting has been taking place in Ireland for centuries, particularly in the West, and now a fresh wave of innovation is giving this age-old tradition a new lease of life. As the third biggest producer in Europe, behind Norway and France, Ireland landed about 29,500 tonnes of seaweed in 2016.

This year the industry is expected to be worth €30million to the economy.

Previously used as animal feed, its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as products we eat and drink, has contributed to its growing popularity.

Chefs like Prannie Rhatigan have long championed the health benefits of cooking with seaweed, while companies such as This is Seaweed and Achill Island Sea Salt are now producing ranges using organic varieties like Kelp, Dulse, Carrageen and Sea Spaghetti.

Origin Spirits recently released its Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey - the first whiskey to be finished in casks charred with seaweed that has been hand-harvested by fourth generation Co. Clare harvesters the Talty family.

It released its Irish Atlantic Kombu Kelp in February, a contemporary single malt whiskey that’s triple distilled in Skibbereen before being aged in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in its special virgin oak casks.

Seaweed is also inspiring our artists and the ways in which we switch off and relax.

Owen Boyden launched Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths, a whiskey barrel hot tub business, in 2018.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

His distinctive mobile baths, which pop up along the Atlantic coastline, have tapped into a new way of thinking for people looking for more mindful experiences.

“The beneficial health and therapeutic effects of seaweed have been known for countless generations and with more people looking for natural and authentic experiences, seaweed baths seem to be a go-to for a lot people these days,” he says.

Boyden’s company sources or harvests its seaweed on location on a weekly basis.

“It is a special variety called Fucus serratus,” he says. “We activate the seaweed in buckets of hot water to release the minerals and iodine, which people absorb naturally when bathing in hot seaweed baths.”

“Location is a massive factor for us,” he adds. “Anyone who has been coming to us for the last two years will know we carefully choose our locations to give our visitors a panoramic ocean view but also importantly give us access to clean fresh water for our baths.”

Boyden had previously been making small rustic upcycled hot tubs from disused whiskey barrels for over a decade, when the idea to create a mobile seaweed bath venture struck.

Like many businesses, the baths were forced to close due to COVID-19 but reopened in June.

“We ceased operations until we felt it was safe to return to business,” he says. “This meant we were shut down for three-and-ahalf months but reopened once the necessary protocols were in place to comply with Irish Government and Fáilte Ireland guidelines.

“We are delighted to be back at work but also offer our sympathies to the many businesses who have been unable to

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reopen, as well as all those who remain unemployed for the same reasons.”

Words: Siobhán Breatnach

It’s seaweed, but not as you know it Dillisk: Seaweed Collection Superfolk, €90 Inspired by Clew Bay and the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic, this handmade botanical print will bring the sea into your home.

Caraway with Irish Seaweed The Lismore Food Company, €6.50 A savoury biscuit made with Irish wakame from Co. Clare.

Irish Organic Seaweed Complete Collection Leon Gorman Hair Care, €78 Perfect your mane with this shampoo, conditioner and serum made using organic Irish seaweed.

Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey Origin Spirits, €55 An amber gold whiskey, with toffee, raisin and a hint of almonds on the nose, backed by a roasted kombu aroma and a sweet maritime finish.

The Seaweed Colour Collection: Little Frond Jasmine Linington, From €81 Delicate earrings made from hand-harvested sea oak from the south east coast of Scotland.

www.gowildmagazine.com

Bridging the best of Ireland’s West

Galway Galway Bay

Doolin

Gort

Aran Islands

Lahinch

Ennis

Kilkee

Killimer

Shannon

Ballybunion N69

Listowel

Tralee Dingle Killarney Cork

Kenmare Bantry

Kinsale Clonakilty

Skibbereen

www.shannonferries.com tel: +353 (0)65 9053124

My Island Life With …

Darren Kennedy

T

V broadcaster and entrepreneur Darren Kennedy shares some of his favourite places to visit and reveals the best way to go wild in Ireland Where’s home?

Dublin.

Where’s your favourite secret place?

The Iveagh Gardens. It’s the calmer alternative to St. Stephen’s Green in the city centre and feels like a little oasis of calm.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met?

Senator David Norris never ceases to amaze me with his story-telling prowess and encyclopaedic knowledge. I don’t see him very often but when I do, it’s always a treat, and I’m left feeling inspired.

What song or soundtrack reminds you of home?

U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Where’s the best place to be inspired?

The wilds of West Cork or Connemara.

What’s the most important cause to you?

Helping people empower themselves by fully embracing who they are and living their truth.

What would you do if you were Taoiseach for the day?

Release funding to assign fulltime anti-bullying stewards to every school in Ireland.

What’s the best way to go wild?

Throw on your swimming trunks and go for a dip!

Where’s the best place for food?

Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

What’s your favourite board game?

Chess.

Where’s the best place to go out-out?

Dublin’s Drury Street – everything you need in one small street.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given to date?

Every ‘No’ is one step closer to a ‘Yes’.

What’s the best way to relax?

Throw on your walking boots and embrace the hike life.

There are so many amazing trails all across the country.

When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday while reading Lie With Me a novel by Philippe Besson.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Where’s your favourite place in Ireland to watch the sun set?

It’s a toss up between the terrace at Ballynahinch Castle or overlooking the ocean at Inchydoney in West Cork.

Who’s the last person you Whatsapped & why?

My mam, to see what’s cooking for dinner when I visit later today!

Share something we don’t know about you?

I’m a Francophile and was PR Manager for the French Tourist Board in Ireland. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Darren Kennedy is the founder of men’s grooming range Kennedy & Co and recently starred on the BBC’s You Are What You Wear.

www.gowildmagazine.com

I

Exploring

Airfield Estate...

38 acres of farm, gardens

& heritage for you to explore just 12 minutes from Dublin City on the tram.

T: +353 1 969 6666 www.airfield.ie

LAND OF CASTLES Ballynahinch Castle

F

or the sheer diversity and quantity of castles, nowhere

can top the island of Ireland.

Frequented by showbiz royalty and actual royalty alike, Irish castles have long been famous for their ancient history and heritage, their beauty and romance, with many also offering the ultimate in five-star luxury.

Imagine yourself as the lord or lady at one of these six unmissable strongholds around the country GLENARM CASTLE

BIRR CASTLE

BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE

Co. Antrim

Co. Offaly

Co. Galway

Since 1636 Glenarm Castle has

Indoors and outdoors you’d be

This fairytale castle set against the

been an important centre along

surrounded by splendour at Birr Castle.

gorgeous backdrop of Connemara’s

the spectacular Causeway Coastal

The opulent interior rooms

Twelve Bens mountain range has

Route in Northern Ireland.

include a Victorian dining room

been home to some of the most

Here you could relax in the

and octagonal Gothic saloon.

infamous figures of Irish history,

sumptuously decorated lounge

The gardens are some of the most

among them the pirate queen and

while viewing portraits that date

stunning in Ireland with exotic

chieftain, Grace O’Malley, and

from the early 17th century.

flowers, waterfalls and lakes and in the

the Ferocious O’Flaherty Clan.

Imagine strolling through the

grounds sits the fascinating Leviathan

The extensive grounds provide an ideal

walled garden and then ending the

telescope, once the largest in existence.

walking area and the evening could be

day with a restful sleep in a four

spent curled up in front of an open fire.

poster bed dating from 1754.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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www.gowildmagazine.com

Birr Castle

TULLYNALLY CASTLE

BLACKROCK CASTLE

DUNLUCE CASTLE

Co. Westmeath

Co. Cork

Co. Antrim

Overlooking the lake where the

Originally built to protect Cork

The sprawling ruins of the medieval

legendary Children of Lir were

harbour, imposing Blackrock

castle sitting at a cliff edge are all

said to swim when they were

Castle with its towers and turrets

that is left of the fortress that was

turned into swans, Tullynally is

is today home to the astronomical

once the seat of the earls of Antrim.

a beautiful gothic-style castle.

research centre of the Cork

Dunluce Castle was home to rebellion

With over 120 rooms including

Institute of Technology.

and intrigue over centuries and is said

the magnificent Great Hall, you

The castle offers splendid views

to have inspired CS Lewis to create

would have plenty of space to roam.

over the water and you could amuse

Cair Paravel, capital of Narnia.

Outdoors the grounds include a

yourself by spending time at the

Here you might have to share

grotto, a walled flower garden, two

award-winning interactive astronomy

the space with banshees that

ornamental lakes and a llama paddock.

exhibition, Cosmos at the Castle.

are said to haunt the ruins.

For more see www.ireland.com

Things to Do in Galway Great Grub in Galway

Galway Cathedral

Savour the tastes, from fabulous farmhouse cheeses at Sheridan’s, to the irresistible McCambridge’s food emporium, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Galway. Grab a window seat upstairs in McCambridge’s and watch the world go by, while your taste buds are satisfied by a huge array of gastronomic offerings.

Traditional Music on Quay Street A mecca of pubs restaurants and cafes, Quay Street also has the best selection of live traditional music in bars such as the Quays, Tigh Neachtain and the Spanish Arch Hotel.

Visit The Spanish Arch A true Galway icon, The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 and overlooks the River Corrib. The arches were used to access the quays from the town when Galway was a walled city and this is all that remains.

Galway Cathedral was constructed in the late 1950s, at a time when most similar buildings were using concrete. It is, therefore, the youngest of Europe’s great stone cathedrals. Dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, it was designed by J.J. Robinson in a very eclectic style. It includes some Renaissance details mixed with the Romanesque and Gothic traditions. The cathedral also boasts an impressive variety of art, including a statue of the Virgin by Imogen Stuart, a large Crucifixion mosaic by Patrick Pollen, rose windows by George Campbell and more.

Galway Hooker boats The Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat developed in the 18th Century. Many of the boats have been restored by Hooker enthusiasts and can be seen during a festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway, which is a village certainly worth a visit.

Latin Quarter

GALWAY CITY MUSEUM By the Corrib River, the Galway City museum opened in a new building in 2007 and is a free and multifaceted attraction covering Galway’s archaeology, folk history, art and natural history.

You can see a traditional Galway sailboat, known as a “hooker”, and the “Great Mace” a magnificent piece of ornamental silverware produced in Dublin at the start of the 18th century.

Fragments from the 16th and 17th centuries are presented in the “Medieval Stone Collection”, which has corbels, plaques, coats of arms, chimney fragments and two complete 16th-century fireplaces.

Festival capital Galway is a Festival town and there appears to be a different festival every weekend. Check out the local Fáilte Ireland tourist office on Forster Street for up-to-the-minute information. It’s great craic!

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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A hook-shaped district of cobblestone streets in the old centre of Galway, the Latin Quarter is on the left bank of the River Corrib from O’Briens Bridge down to the Spanish Arch.

In this small and sociable place you’ll come by many of Galway’s favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.

If you’re on the hunt for classic Irish arts and crafts you’ll be in luck at the Latin Quarter, where shops like the Galway Woollen Market abound with traditional knitwear and are stocked with the local pure wool you’ll need for your own project.

Street-performers and entertainers provide a constant folk soundtrack whether you’re window shopping, seeing the sights or bar-hoppin.

Dunguaire Castle Dunguaire Castle lies at the heart of Ireland’s literary revival in the 20th century. Dunguaire became the venue for meetings of literary revivalists such as W.B. Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory plus, George Bernard Shaw. Experience the breath-taking views from the Castle Towers following a tour of Dunguaire Castle.

Alternatively, join us for an exceptional medieval banquet. Open April to October. www.dunguairecastle.com

www.gowildmagazine.com

Galway Crystal OUR COMPANY Galway Crystal was established in 1967 by a group of local business people from the Galway Chamber of Commerce. In 1993, Galway joined the Belleek Group. Both companies have performed particularly well since then Aynsley China has since become part of the group. This meeting of three prestigious brands has further enhanced the position of Galway Crystal in the Global market.

Through the years many well known people have passed through the doors of Galway Crystal, from Royalty to Presidents to Celebrities. Galway Crystal can be found in some of the most Prestigious homes, from our own Arás an Uachtarain to the White House and the Vatican OUR BRAND Galway Crystal has long been one of the world’s best known and loved

Galway Crystal is steeped in the rich

Corrib and from the wealth of history

and diverse heritage of this unique

and folklore which is synonymous

hinterland. Galway’s inpiration

with Galway, the famous city of

comes from the sheer beauty of

Tribes. The beautiful ranges of

brands of traditionally crafted crystal. the surrounding countryside Nestled in the heart of the West of Connemara, Galway bay and Lough Ireland, on the shores of Galway Bay,

tableware and giftware reflect these influences in their timeless elegance.

Go with the Flow With the help of technology, experts around the island of Ireland are finding new ways to keep people fit and well as we all stay home

W

ith stunning landscapes, delicious healthy foods and inspiring instructors, Ireland is home to some of the best yoga retreats and wellness escapes in the world.

And as we continue to social distance, creative yogis, wellness and mindfulness specialists have moved online to continue to encourage regular exercise routines and support positive mental health.

Many are offering free and low-cost classes and services allowing you can hook up with teachers across the country.

WICKLOW To experience the Celtic vibes of Ireland’s Ancient East, try the membershipbased Yoga Sacred Ireland.

Its real-world Co. Wicklow studio has been described as one of the most beautiful in Ireland - online there are soulful yoga classes with easy to follow asanas that capture the spiritual energy of sacred Ireland.

Meanwhile for workouts just for the mind, hook up with the free daily meditations offered by Justin Caffrey,

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

the Co. Wicklow-based elite mindset coach and master in meditation.

Start your day with Justin on Instagram live at 7am and give yourself 25 minutes to connect to your body and find a grounding before stepping into your day.

CORK In county Cork along the Wild Atlantic Way several practitioners are hosting online yoga classes.

Among them is Emer Harrington, who is offering interactive classes where everyone can see and hear each other as they take part at home.

Some of her Yoga with Emer classes are by donation and some are free.

Or try Cork Yoga with Claire, who teaches live four times a week and on demand.

Like other instructors, Claire Dunniece uses the Zoom video conferencing app and has set it up to be as easy as possible.

BELFAST You and your yoga practice will be in the best of hands with Flow Studio, normally based in

- 40 -

Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

The studio has now switched to providing live online classes that guide you through breathcentred flows and help you navigate the new normal.

Cultivate your strength, focus and peace from the inside out and explore all that you can be from the comfort of your home.

KILDARE Yoga Ireland in Kildare, home of Ireland’s world-famous horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industry, has also gone online to offer live classes and one-toone sessions for all levels.

Run by Catriona McCormack, reiki master and yoga teacher for over 26 years, they include free sessions for kids and older people.

www.gowildmagazine.com

Experience the wild and wonderful at

The Ice House

Set right on the banks of the Majestic River Moy, the Ice House Hotel is a sparkling gem of style and sophistication. Enjoy dishes to delight, afternoon tea to die for, panoramic river views, the award winning Chill Spa and bubbling hot tubs right at the water’s edge. For Foxford Woollen Mills, the Ceide Fields, Dun Briste Sea Stack, Downpatrick Head & all the amazing attractions along North Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way, it’s your perfect jumping off point.

TO BOOK, CALL 096 23500 OR VISIT THEICEHOUSE.IE

THE ICE HOUSE, THE QUAY, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

Things to Do in Wicklow Round Ireland Yacht Race, June 29th - July 1st

Powerscourt Estate

The Round Ireland is Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race, and the second longest race in the Royal Ocean Racing Club calendar. The first race took place in 1980 with only sixteen boats. Since then, held biennially, the fleet has grown steadily, attracting a record 64 entrants from all over the world. In the past, boats competing have ranged from a 98-footer former “round the world” maxi, to club boats one third the size, with all shades in between. The warm greeting and when returning to Wicklow brings competitors back year after year. 2018 marks its 40th year anniversary of the race, renowned for being one of the most gruelling offshore races in the global calendar.

National Aquarium Sealife Centre The National SEA LIFE Centre is one of Ireland’s largest Marine and Freshwater Zoos and the only aquarium on the east coast of Ireland. SEA LIFE centre is completely indoors making it a perfect all weather activity. From sharks to seahorses, all creatures of the deep are on show at the aquarium, and you’ll be able to get closer to them than ever before. With 30 displays, a kids quiz trail, a colouring table, an indoor play area for younger children, and hourly public feeds of animals, you won’t get bored. www.sealife.ie.

Powerscourt is one of the world’s great gardens and is located 20km south of Dublin city centre. Set against the backdrop of the great Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt is stunning in every season. From the ornate Italian Gardens, to the formal walks of the Rose and Kitchen Gardens, there are many hidden treasures to explore. With over 200 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers this 47 acres has something for everyone. The gardens were laid out over a period of 150 years and were designed to create a space that was part of the wider landscape, creating one of the most majestic vistas in Ireland. Fine statuary and ironworks collected from across Europe adorn these magnificent gardens. The Palladian Mansion was destroyed by fire in 1974 and re-opened in 1996, but not to its original glory. It is now home to a range of craft and interior shops featuring Irish design. The Terrace cafe offers Irish artisan home cooked cuisine. powerscourt.com

Learn more about Johnnie Fox’s Situated on top of the Dublin Mountains and just 5 k over the Wicklow border, step back in time to discover the true Irish experience at the renowned Johnnie Fox’s Hooley Night - this includes the famous Fox’s troupe of Irish dancers, lively band playing traditional Irish music, a four course meal by our award winning kitchen and plenty of good ‘aul’ Irish craic.

The setting of Johnnie Fox’s is just like you have been invited to a 19th century rural Irish home, with food and service to 21st century standards.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a wholesome pint of the ‘black stuff’, to get a glimpse of ‘old Ireland’, to enjoy a tasty meal, to enjoy the unique Irish atmosphere, or to witness a spectacular cultural show, listen to some traditional Irish music, Johnnie Fox’s most definitely has something for you….

We endeavour to provide the freshest of ingredients, the friendliest of service, & the very best of live traditional Irish entertainment in the most unique and authentic setting.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation E Edition 2020

HOSTING TH INCE 1798

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www.gowildmagazine.com

Spend Some Time in Ireland’s Garden County, Explore the Wicklow Hills and Enjoy A Wild & Organic Dining Experience at The Strawberry Tree Restaurant

BrookLodge & Macreddin Village

County Wicklow Where a Safe and Warm Welcome Awaits You… Call or Email Direct for Best Available Rates T: 0402 36444 I E: info@brooklodge.com I W: www.brooklodge.com

Bed, Full Buffet Breakfast and Table d’Hote Dinner from €160 for two guests sharing For Reservations phone +353 (1) 2740000 or check out Special Offers: www.glenviewhotel.com/offers

Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club | Glen of the Downs | Delgany | Co. Wicklow E-Mail: sales@glenviewhotel.com | Web: www.glenviewhotel.com | Phone 01 2740000

Live like a local in...

S

Tuam, Co. Galway

inger songwriter Darragh O’Dea is known for his poetic storytelling and observations of life in an ever-changing Ireland.

Born in University Hospital Galway, he says he can lay claim to having spent 30 honest years in his hometown of Tuam, where he now lives with girlfriend Devon having spent time living abroad in Asia, Australia and the US. He spills the beans on town secrets and the people you have to meet when you visit.

What’s put your town on the map?

Music, football and religion.

Why should someone visit?

People should visit Tuam as it’s a lively little town full of warm welcoming characters and it is easily accessible with the new motorway.

Best place for food?

Gather Restaurant. It’s a place where I feel comfortable and at home. They serve delicious, award-winning locally sourced food. Next door to the restaurant is their sister store, Abbert Lifestyle Store & Grocery where they stock the best in all kinds of artisanal products from around the country.

Best pub?

As a musician I’ve spent a lot of time in the town’s pubs playing music over the years. It’s hard to name just one. Canavan’s has wonderful chilled music sessions on a Friday night, The Brogue throws a great party on Saturday night and the closest pub to me at the moment, T.J. Loftus (Junie’s) is a great place to sit at the bar and chat to any of the great characters of the town that might pop in.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Best place to sleep?

Galway Glamping is just out the road in Ballyglunin. It’s a beautiful area and they cater for all kinds of events like weddings, family gatherings etc. They also have axethrowing facilities, which is fun.

Where can you get the best cup of coffee?

Leaf and Bean Café – great coffee with a laid-back feel.

Best kept secret?

Ballygaddy Bridge where the Clare river flows beneath. We’d spend the summer days of our youth jumping from the bridge and swimming in the river. I’m so fond of it I wrote a song about it.

People use the river for kayaking in the part known as The Rapids.

Favourite independent shop?

The Winehouse. Top quality wines sourced by Cathal Reynolds.

Favourite thing about your town?

The people. On a personal level, the people of the town are unbelievably supportive of me and my music by helping to share it and attending any gigs I put on.

Who should you meet when visiting?

Padraig Stevens, an elder of the tribe, full of wisdom and warm goodnatured vibes. He is the godfather of Tuam songwriting and knows what’s going on around the town.

Best tourist attraction?

People tend to visit the town for the cathedrals and old buildings or looking for a connection to their ancestors. A lot of Saw Doctors fans make the pilgrimage to Tuam to trace

- 44 -

the places named in their songs.

Anyone famous live in your town?

Tom Murphy, the legendary playwright is from Tuam but I never had the pleasure of meeting him.

The Saw Doctors, Davey and Leo, are living in the town and I meet them around the place regularly. Ja Fallon.

There are notable fathers of famous people from Tuam also. Both John Lydon of The Sex Pistols and Tyson Fury, the heavyweight boxing champion, have fathers from Tuam.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened?

Probably when The Saw Doctors held a massive concert called ‘The West’s Awake’ in Tuam Stadium in 1991 after they had a couple of No. 1 singles. A big deal for the town.

Best way to ‘Go Wild’?

Anything goes in Tuam, just go for it.

What’s the one thing that makes Tuam stand out?

We have our own slang in the town, Tuam slang. It’s unique and widely used, there is a great sense of pride in it. I think a lot of it comes from the large Travelling community in the town. The Traveller population is very important to the character of Tuam. I believe alot of the town’s wit, sense of humour and storytelling ethos is due to their presence.

If your town was a sandwich, what would it be?

Chicken fillet roll. No airs or graces. Humble but effective.

Interview: Siobhán Breatnach Turn to page 94 for more Live like a local …

www.gowildmagazine.com

Westmeath where Ireland’s Ancient East meets Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with its sparkling lakes, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and rich heritage.

Westmeath offers high quality hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, camping and glamping facilities, with award winning restaurants offering a taste of local produce and a food experience to remember. The two main towns, Athlone and Mullingar offer shopping and nightlife, with Mullingar renowned for local musical talent and Athlone, at the heart of arts and culture. Getting off the beaten track is easy; hire a boat or a bike from local friendly providers or bring your walking shoes and you are on your way.

Stop at the Market House, Mullingar and get your photo taken with the famous Joe Dolan statue or Walk in the footsteps of the National Famine way, follow the story of Famine Emigrants with 31 sculptured bronze shoes dotted along the Royal Canal.

Westwards from Mullingar you can pedal your way through the heart of the tranquil Irish midlands on the Old Rail Trail Greenway, a 42km trail on a converted stretch of the Great Western Railway.

Or the water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the 23km of paddling trails extending east and west from Mullingar along the Royal Canal Blueway, enjoy stand-up paddle boarding at Derrymore Springs or Dive into the water sports at Lilliput Adventure Centre.

Beyond the canal, there are more treasures to discover. Climb the Hill of Uisneach and follow in the footsteps of the ancient

kings and queens who once gathered here. Visit Belvedere House Gardens & Park on the shores of Lough Ennell. Explore the Children’s treasure trail at Tullynally castle. Trek the 1,000-acre Mullaghameen Forest Trail. Take a trip to the historic site of Fore Abbey where you will learn about the Seven Wonders of Fore including the Water that Flows Uphill, the Tree that won’t burn, the Water that won’t boil and the Monastery built in a Bog. Along your walk through the heart of Ireland on the Westmeath Way, a 33km-long walking route from Kilbeggan to Mullingar, sample one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys at the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery.

Trace your Westmeath roots at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, or enjoy a quiet pint in Seán’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub dating back to AD 900. At Athlone Castle you will experience an immersive journey through history. The iconic river Shannon itself can be explored through a cruise on the Viking Boat, a stroll along the Shannon Banks nature trail, or explore the scenic looped walks of Portlick Millennium Forest which overlooks Lough Ree and discover the secret gems of Celtic Roots Studio, renowned for carving stunning sculptures and jewellery made from authentic Irish bogwood. Your visit to Westmeath will be unforgettable.

For more information: www.visitwestmeath.ie

I fiq Visit Westmeath

DUE NORTH Instagram worthy beauty spots to fall in love with

T

hrough the magic of Instagram you can picture yourself standing on Northern Ireland’s iconic beauty spots.

This gorgeous landscape has many Instagrammable views, from ancient castles to majestic mountains. Dive into these and immerse yourself in scenic beauty.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Part of the UNESCO Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, this boardwalk trail is truly a stairway to heaven.

Crossing the rugged wilderness of Cuilcagh Mountain, it climbs to the summit plateau where spectacular views await.

A tranquil place of breath-taking beauty in Co. Fermanagh.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

The Mourne Mountains The magnificent Mourne Mountains dominate the skyline of Co. Down and beyond.

Beloved of walkers, the Mournes also have a colourful history.

Hare’s Gap is an opening in the 35km drystone Mourne Wall that stretches across 15 peaks and through which all manner of merchandise was once smuggled.

Carrick-a-Rede Northern Ireland’s majestic Causeway Coastal Route is peppered with jaw-dropping sights that beg to be captured on camera.

Among them is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co. Antrim, which swings dramatically over the waves below.

The bridge links the coast with a tiny island - the haunt of fishermen for over 250 years.

Gorgeous on a clear day, thrilling on a windy one, crossing the bridge also delivers some stomping views of the coast.

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Giant’s Causeway The iconic Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s don’t-miss sites.

Located on the Causeway Coast, the 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns are geological wonders and the stuff of legends.

The columns were created by slow cooling lava millions of years ago but legend has it that the giant Finn McCool had a hand in it.

The Co. Antrim causeway is magnificent in every kind of weather but especially dramatic under a brooding sky.

Mussenden Temple Overlooking the golden sands of Downhill Beach, the eighteenthcentury Mussenden Temple dramatically clings to the cliff edge.

The building was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Italy, and was once the private library of the Earl Bishop.

Standing like a solitary sentinel above the waves, this Co. Derry temple is understandably one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland.

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Explore ONE OF THE 7 WONDERS OF IRELAND*

Guided walking tour around the monastic sites Sailings depart Kilrush Marina daily For sailing times and to book online, visit

scatteryislandtours.com T: +353 85 2505512 / +353 85 2505514 E: info@scatteryislandtours.com *as voted by Irish Independent readers, 2019

[127] SIT Brand update.indd 1

Learn the secrets of the majestic Shannon river on an intimate cruise escape.

Luxurious Irish Elegance | Bespoke Private Cruises Artisan Dining Experiences | Half Day Cruise | Private Cruise Experiences | Full Day Cruise | Luxury Cruise Experiences highlights included in all

• Private Cruise with onboard guide, service staff and catering.

• One hour guided walking tour with local tour guide around the monastic sites (5 Churches, Cathedral, Round Tower, St. Senan’s Well & St. Senan’s Burial Ground.

• Your guests will be welcomed and joined onboard by owner and daughter of a Scattery Islander who will share with them all the secrets of the Shannon Estuary. a range of onboard dining experience to suit your requirements

• Diverse dining options are available from Artisan Platter to Lobster Lunches tel:

086 2236995 Irene Hamilton email: privatechartercruises@gmail.com contact:

01/03/2020 14:31

Rediscovering The Art Of Home Travel Adams & Butler CEO and founder Siobhán Byrne Learat believes now is the time for staycationers to not only see but do, feel and engage with what Ireland has to offer

W

hile many of us would be

sports people or the aristocracy.

They very quickly realised he was

lying low in front of the

Byrne Learat is also a fan of taking

scheduled to arrive at a Presidential

fire, Siobhán Byrne Learat is the

people away from the over-visited sites

Suite bedecked in rouge.

kind of woman who climbs the

and introducing them to smaller local

Leaping into action to and with the

Kerry mountains in January.

communities who will benefit as a result.

help of some of their trusted suppliers,

Following 2020’s global shut-down

Adams & Butler managed to strip

She’s not afraid to go off the beaten

due to COVID-19, she says people

the room and refurbish it with royal

track, loves to hike, ski and horse

are now refocusing their leisure

blue décor and antiques within the

ride, and knows it’s when you truly

attentions closer to home.

hour it took for the guest to travel

connect with the land that you

Whether that’s a seafood picnic on a

from the airport to the hotel.

experience the best from any trip.

private island off Connemara, a family

With borders closed and people stuck

Her adventurous spirit and almost three

farm-to-table culinary experience

at home in recent months, Adams &

decades in the travel industry makes her

in West Cork or afternoon tea with

Butler also created a webinar series

an expert on how to make the most of

the Jameson sisters in Waterford.

called ‘Catch up with Irish friends’

holiday time in a post lockdown world.

And so, along with her Maasai

giving local Irish suppliers - from expert

The entrepreneur is an advocate

husband Kasao, the couple are now

regional guides, to established hotels

of travelling off season and taking

employing their global knowledge

and exclusive-use rental properties - the

advantage of what’s on offer in Ireland

of the travel trade to the launch of

chance to host an informal virtual chat.

all year round – not just in the summer.

Adams & Butler for the Irish market.

Over 4,000 people registered from

Ireland, she says, has an accessibility

“Be a traveller rather than a

over 20 countries to take part in

that gives it unique qualities when it

tourist,” Siobhán adds. “Immersive

the online summer sessions.

comes to tourism and travelling.

experiences cannot be found in

Regatherings is another emerging

As a hotelier for 11 years and after

a guide book or brochure.

travel trend - where extended

managing a property development

“Opportunities to meet locals,

families are joining together to

company, Byrne Learat set up Adams

wandering neighbourhoods and making

holiday and make up for time lost

& Butler in 2003 - she came up with the

spontaneous discoveries are the best

due to the coronavirus lockdown.

business plan as the thesis for her first-

ways to experience a destination.”

“People are revisiting their values,

class MBA from Smurfit Business School.

Previous clients have included Jaden

they want to feel and engage

Her company is an upscale private travel

and Willow Smith, Taylor Swift,

more,” Byrne Learat says.

designer that offers tailormade and

Kim Kardashian and Harrison

There has also been a shift towards

authentic cultural and travel experiences.

Ford as well as former presidents

people wanting to explore their local

Working with properties and

and blue chip company CEOs.

communities, while nostalgia is seeing

cruise lines worldwide, they

Adams & Butler also won Best Travel

more holiday-makers returning to the

specialise in Africa, Australia, the

Agent Professional Award at the

familiar spots they visited as children.

Americas and high-end cruises.

Irish Travel Trade Awards 2020.

It’s all about the feel-good

The firm designs itineraries around

An anecdote from a previous client’s trip

factor, Siobhán adds.

a theme or private experience like

supports its award-winning credentials.

Looks like there’s no better time

meeting people who are not normally

‘I don’t do red’ - the guest

to explore Ireland with purpose,

accessible to the public such as

informed the company as he

enthusiasm, and a new-found

local heroes, naturalists, farmers,

landed into Shannon Airport.

appreciation for the art of travel.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Escape to Carrygerry Country House for a Relaxing Getaway with Someone Special

Carrygerry Country House, near Newmarket-on-Fergus and just and just Our Conservatory Restaurant is open for Dinner from Tuesday Carrygerry Country House, near Newmarket-on-Fergus Our Conservatory Restaurant is open for Dinner from to Tuesday minutes away from Shannon, is a 200 year old Manor tastefully Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Our Á La Carte Menu offers minutes away from Shannon, is a 200 year old Manor tastefully Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Our Á La Carte Menu offer restored to its glory,glory, set in set a idyllic country setting. fresh, locally produce and aand complete well balanced menu. m restored to former its former in a mature idyllic mature country setting. fresh, locallysourced sourced produce a complete well balanced OnOn arrival, youyou willNewmarket-on-Fergus experience a relaxed and unique house arrival, will experience a relaxed andcountry unique country house Near and minutes away away from from Shannon, Shannon, Near Newmarket-on-Fergus just minutes atmosphere with open fires and antique furniture.

There are 11 Set Dinner for€29 €29 (3 (3 courses courses plus atmosphere with open fires and antique furniture. There are 11 Set DinnerMenu Menu for plusTea/Coffee) Tea/Coffee) isisall aa 200 year old Manor tastefully tofrom its6.30pm former glory, set 200 year old Manor restored to its former set bedrooms, individually styled in keeping with the house.the house. is served served to 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. bedrooms, all individually styled in keeping with is from 6.30pm to glory, 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Carrygerry Country House, House,

in arrival, you you will will experience experienceaa inaaidyllic idyllic mature mature country country setting. On arrival, We cater for Birthdays,Anniversaries, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christenings, We cater forunique Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings, relaxed and country house atmosphere with open firesetc. andetc.

For enquiries call 061 360500 email:info@carrygerryhouse.com info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com or enquiries call 061 360500 or or email: | www.carrygerryhouse.co antique furniture. There are 11 bedrooms, all individually styled in Escape to Carrygerry Country House Escape Carrygerry House the house. keepingtowith house. Country

foraaRelaxing Relaxing Getaway Someone for Getaway withwith Someone SpecialSpe

Our ConservatoryRestaurant Restaurantisisopen openfor forDinner Dinneron from Tuesday to Saturday from Our Conservatory Friday and Saturday Evening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

Our dishes fresh, locallyRestaurant sourcedisproduce produce 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Our Á La Carte Menu offers locally sourced and a from toTuesday Carrygerry Country House, near Newmarket-on-Fergus Our Conservatory open for Dinner Carrygerry Country House, near Newmarket-on-Fergus and just and just Our Conservatory Restaurant is open for Dinner from Tuesday andcomplete a complete well balanced menu minutes away from Shannon, is a 200 old Manor tastefully Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Our Á La Carte Menu offers well balanced menu. minutes away from Shannon, is a 200 year oldyear Manor tastefully Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Our Á La Carte Menu offers

restored to its former glory, set in a idyllic mature country setting. fresh, locally sourced produce and a complete well balanced m restored to its former glory, set in a idyllic mature country setting. fresh, locally sourced produce and a complete well balanced menu.

On arrival, you will experience a relaxed and unique country house On arrival, you will experience a relaxed and unique country house Set Dinner Menu for €29 (3 courses Tea/Coffee) is served atmosphere with open firesDinner and antique furniture.

There are 11 plus Set Dinner Menu €29 for (3 courses plus Tea/Coffee) Menu €35 plus Tea/Coffee) atmosphere with open firesSet and antique furniture.

There are 11 (3 coursesSet Dinner Menu for €29 (3 courses plus Tea/Coffee) bedrooms, all individually styled in6.30pm keeping with the house. is served from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. to 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. bedrooms, all individually styled infrom keeping with the house. is served from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.

We cater for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christenings, etc.

We cater for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christenings, etc.

For enquiries call 061 360500 or email: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com For enquiries call 061 360500 or email: info@carrygerryhouse.com | www.carrygerryhouse.com

Things to Do in Wexford

Irish National Heritage Park

Loftus Hall

Located on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney,‘The Irish National Heritage Park’ truly is the cornerstone of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’. A not-for-profit outdoor museum depicting 9,000 years of re-created Irish History situated within natural forestry and wet woodlands.

Take an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s past and experience stories, sights and sounds that shaped our country.

So, what are you waiting for? Step back in time and join us in ‘Ireland Ancient East’ at The Irish National Heritage Park.

Your adventure begins here…

Loftus Hall is a large country house on the Hook peninsula, County Wexford. Built on the site of the original Redmond Hall, it is said by locals to have been haunted by the devil and the ghost of a young woman.

Johnstown Castle & Gardens The spectacular ornamental grounds and gardens surrounding the 19th century castle were designed by Daniel Robertson who is famed for the gardens at Powerscourt in Co. Wicklow.

Stroll through the grounds with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers, waterfalls and statues. Enjoy a picnic in the sunken Italian garden or museum courtyard. Watch the peacocks strut by and display their finery. View the ruins of Rathlannon Castle.

John F Kennedy Arboretum The John F. Kennedy Arboretum on the Hook Head Peninsula at New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, is a park under public administration. On 252 hectares there are approximately 4,500 species of trees and shrubs National 1798 Rebellion Centre On your visit you will meet the key figures of the Rebellion, participate in our state of the art 4D battle of Vinegar Hill Experience, discover how weapons from the period worked and learn in gruesome detail how some 20,000 insurgents faced the might of 10,000 well-trained and well-armed Crown Forces.

Tintern Abbey Tintern Abbey was a Cistercian abbey located on the Hook peninsula, County Wexford, Ireland. The Abbey – which is today in ruins, some of which have been restored – was founded in c.1200

by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, as the result of a vow he had made when his boat was caught in a storm nearby.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Enniscorthy Castle Enniscorthy Castle, in the heart of Enniscorthy town, was originally built in the 13th century, and has been ‘home’ to Norman knights, English armies, Irish rebels and prisoners, plus local merchant families.

Why not visit our dungeon to see the rare medieval wall art – The Swordsman, or our battlements at the top of the castle to marvel at the amazing views of Vinegar Hill Battlefield, Enniscorthy town, and the sights, flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside.

Wells House & Gardens Wells House and Gardens is a Victorian Tudor gothic country house museum, located around 7 km outside of Kilmuckridge, County Wexford. It was designed by Daniel Robertson in the 1830s.

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The Strand Cahore Welcome to The Strand Cahore, a residential award winning licensed bar and restaurant with a history spanning more than 80 years and ran by the Hanley family since 2018.

The Strand Cahore is in a unique position overlooking the safe swimming beach and pier at Cahore Point with sweeping views over the sea to Wicklow Head. A destination which holds a special place in the hearts of many generations is only one hour from Dublin.

We can provide a stunning venue for your wedding or special event that

Cahore is a small fishing village

will live long in the memory thanks to located 2km from Ballygarrett Village in North Wexford. In the heart of our breath taking location as well as our friendly and professional service.

Our passion for food has been

and ends in a harbour which is the centre of village activities.

Cahore is a gorgeous little harbour

the sunny South-East, but only an

with lovely views north towards Tara

hour south of Dublin, Cahore has

Hill and Arklow.

recognised by the Good Food Ireland

been a popular location for tourists,

network thanks to our focus on the

fishermen, and wild-life enthusiasts

freshness, flavours and colours of our

for generations. The Strand Cahore is

menus.

reached at the end of a winding road

hello@thestrandcahore.ie 0539427486

WALK ON John G O’Dwyer shares three unmissable hikes to experience at least once

Coumshingaun Co. Waterford For a demanding but relatively short hike offering majestic views, it is hard to beat Coumshingaun. Begin your walk from Kilclooney by taking a woodland path to a forestry road. Follow this (right) to open mountainside. Now puff upwards towards a prominent boulder on the skyline.

Here you will clearly see the great rocky arête rising to the south of Coumshingaun.

Gaining this requires some effort, but once there the ridge is undemanding and enjoyable. It’s pleasantly elevated walking and scrambling above great gullies that tumble abruptly towards Coumshingaun, the finest glaciated coum in Western Europe.

Beyond, one final steepening brings you to the extravagant vastness of the

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Comeragh Plateau.

Here is an ideal place to take in the magnificence of the great amphitheater and bottle shaped lake lying 400m below.

Onwards now by the corrie rim to a spectacular viewing point for the dramatic north facing cliffs beloved by generations of Ireland’s most accomplished rock-climbers.

The descent is along the Stookangarriff Ridge, which is not difficult but can be heathery and uneven in places.

Eventually, you reach easy ground near the lake before crossing the moraines at the mouth of Coumshingaun.

Here, a path ascends diagonally to the large boulder encountered earlier.

Now it’s a short ramble back to Kilclooney.

Start point: Kilclooney Wood Carpark is located on the R676, between Carrick-on-Suir and Dungarvan Suitability: Challenging outing suitable for experienced walkers Time: 3.5 to 4 hours Distance: 7.5km Map: Discovery sheet, 52

Mullaghmore

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Co. Clare The Burren is an enigma. A onetime unremarkable forest, it was over-grazing and unsustainable farming practices that paradoxically created the renowned landscape that holds fascination for botanists, archaeologists, surfers, rockclimbers, geologists and potholers.

Mullaghmore Mountain is the outstanding jewel within this rich treasury - a magnificent swirl of naked, gnarly limestone, it punches well above its modest stature by offering a genuine mountain experience for moderate expenditure of effort.

To explore Mullaghmore, set out from Crag Road by skirting the wild flower rich, banks of Lough Gealáin and then follow the arrows up the flaggy hillside.

You will cross rocky grykes abundant with plants from the Artic that, here alone, co-habit harmoniously with their Mediterranean counterparts.

A further easy scramble will deposit you beside the cairn adorning the summit. Intoxicating prospects now unfold in all directions.

You will enjoy a startling intensity of colour with islands of intense green, chalk crusted turloughs and eyewateringly bright terraces interspersing

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the barren limestone pavements that dissolve everywhere to the distance.

Most eye-grabbing are the immense contours of folding limestone on nearby Slieve Rua, which seem like a giant snake intent on squeezing the very life from the mountain.

Beyond the summit, you follow the blue arrows towards Knockanes. Above the Glenquin Gorge, the route swings left and descends to reach a rough path leading back towards Lough Gealáin and your parking place.

Start point: From Corofin village take the Kilfenora road. Go right at Kilnaboy. Pass the school and go right at a parking place to reach Crag Road. Park here Suitability: Rough underfoot conditions require sturdy footwear and concentration Time: 3 hours Distance: 9km Map: Discovery sheet, 52

Glencolumbkille Co. Donegal

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

If ‘a place apart’ can survive in a globalised world, Glencolumbkille is the genuine article. Startlingly green, while surrounded by sombre hills, it is easy to see why St Columbkille chose it for a monastery since it has seclusion writ large on its weathered face.

To explore this sequestered valley, set off from Glencolumbkille Fire Station by tagging an ancient pilgrim path, rich with megalithic tombs and standing stones that leads to Columbkille’s Chapel.

Beyond, a switchback track ascends to a coastal signal tower offering awe inspiring views over the deceptively beautiful but treacherous Donegal coastline.

Continue north by the cliffs before descending to a postcard-pretty harbour of Port that is backdropped by the poignant ruins of a deserted village, which was, like many, abandoned to escape Famine hunger.

Now it is a place where the 21st century still seems in the hazy future and makes

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the perfect place to tarry awhile.

Eventually, you will reluctantly head uphill to a communications mast, where a service roadway leads south with a glorious vista over Glencolmbkille.

Arrows for the Tower Loop then convey you back to the start point.

Getting there: From Donegal town follow the N56 west to Killybegs and then the R263 to Glencolumbkille Suitability: Sturdy footwear and protective clothing are required to cope with the high, exposed landscape Distance: About 14km Time: 4 hours Map: Discovery series, Sheet 1 John G O’Dwyer’s latest book, Wild Stories from the Irish Uplands, is available now in bookshops and online from currachbooks.com. His next book, 50 Best Easy and Moderate Walks in Ireland, is due for publication later this year.

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Things to Do in Sligo Sligo

Coney Island

County Sligo boasts one of the most appealing stretches of coast on the Wild Atlantic Way. From its delightfully ´surfable´ waves crashing on broad golden shores, to the rolling green hills and misty mountaintops of the affectionately dubbed ‘Yeats country’, this is a county that attracts a distinct breed of adventure-loving traveller.

Coney Island is approximately 400 acres and is so named because of the vast quantity of rabbits which can be spotted on the island at any time. It´s accessible by driving or walking over the causeway (guided by the 14 pillars) at low tide.

Sligo Abbey

Mullaghmore Head

Land and sea come together to create something truly special at Mullaghmore Head. This is the home of big wave surfing in Ireland, and surfers come from all over the world to test their skills against epic waves. But there’s more to Mullaghmore. There are boat trips to the 6th century monastic ruins on Inishmurray Island; Classiebawn Castle dominating the surrounding landscape with its Gothic splendour; and nearby Ben Bulben, the flat-topped mountain famed in Irish mythology and the poetry of WB Yeats.

Looking for something to do in Sligo this weekend? The medieval Dominican abbey in Sligo Town offers a peek into an intriguing past, with artefacts, lore and a rich history dating back to 1252. It’s also one of the best places to see Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculptures.

Sligo Town

Discover Yeats county from the ideal base in Sligo Town, second only to Galway in size and boasting a compelling blend of past and present - from Hargadon Bros, the Michelin Guide-listed pub and eatery; to the stone bridges linking both sides of the River Garavogue.

Streedagh Beach

With easy walking along its 3km stretch, it’s one of the most tranquil spots in the west, with the golden sands being a favourite playground for children. Don´t miss the site of the Spanish Armada shipwreck from 1588.

Surfing

From the big wave thrills at Mullaghmore and Strandhill’s consistent breaks, to the family- friendly swell at Enniscrone, no trip to Sligo is complete without a go on a surfboard. Surf schools can help newbies paddle out with confidence, while pros can hunt for secret spots.

Sligo Food Trail

Sligo Food Trail treats your palate to an abundance of culinary treasures. You can map your own route to choose the cuisine that you love best. Welcome to foodie heaven!

Benbulben

Benbulben is known as County Sligo’s ‘Table Mountain’ and is part of the Dartry Mountains. It was originally merely a large ridge, however the moving glaciers cut into the earth, leaving a distinct formation, now called Benbulben. It is possible to climb Benbulben as there is a looped access trail but it is strongly advised that you have a guide to hike Benbulben.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

WB Yeats´ Grave

Drumcliffe, County Sligo is set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains. It is best known as the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Found in the churchyard, his grave is marked with a simple headstone with the inscription, “cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.”

Carrowkeel

The Neolithic cemetery complex at Carrowkeel is one of the finest examples of a passage tomb in Ireland, consisting of 14 cairns dotted across the beautiful hills of the Bricklieve mountain range in the south of County Sligo, near the County Roscommon border.

Eagles Flying

The Attraction For All The Family Excitement, Fun, Photo opportunities and much more. Nestled in the green hills of south Sligo, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for raptors and owls, the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying is situated on more than 27 ha of mature parklands near Ballymote.

Currently it is the home of more than 100 eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures. For the ones who prefer it more cuddly, there is also a large supervised Petting-Zoo, where visitors can get hands-on with guinea-pigs, pigs, rabbits, lambs, goats, donkeys, ferrets, and many more.

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SCIENTIFICALLY MANAGED SANCTUARY FOR BIRDS OF PREY AND OWLS

Get hands-on with birds of prey and various animals in our supervised Touch-Zoo Ireland’s largest Bird-of-prey Centre. The attraction for all the family. Get up close with Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures and Owls. Learn from the scientists about their biology during our fascinating and interactive shows. You have never been that close to Eagles…

P

FREE

Ballymote, Co. Sligo.

Sat Nav: N5406.207’W834.053 Drive off the N17 at Ballinacarrow

Just follow the signs

2 shows daily at 11AM and 3PM 10.30 – 12.30 and 2.30 – 4.30 every day

Tel: 071 918 9310 From 1st April www.eaglesflying.com – 7th November 2 hours programme Guided Tour, Show, Touch-Zoo, Picnic area and Kiosk available

POINT OF VIEW

Three rooms to rent to help you change your outlook on life Sliabh Donard Resort & Spa

Newcastle, Co. Down If you can’t choose between the mountains or the sea when it comes to your view, why not go for both.

You’ll find the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa on the idyllic seashores of Newcastle Bay. The hotel looks out onto the Mountains of Mourne with a spectacular vista across the Royal County Down Golf Course.

Lost Cottage

Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry If you’re looking to lose yourself in the countryside for a few days, then the Lost Cottage in Glenbeigh is worth a look.

Set within 85 acres of remote beauty, this lakeside townland was once only home to a herd of goats – you’ll still find them on the mountainside today!

This formerly abandoned cottage retreat, first built in the early 1800s, has now been lovingly

The Nissen Hut

Rathmoylan Cove, Co. Waterford Perched on a beachfront grassy knoll, The Nissen Hut is located close to Dunmore East village.

Yards from the front door is the crashing sea and the beginning of a cliff walk, one of the Copper Coast highlights.

Rathmoylan Cove also sports some of the best snorkelling in Ireland.

This unique seaside Nissen hut was designed by engineer Peter Norman Nissen and originally Photos: Philip Lauterbach

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Set in six acres of beautifully kept private grounds, the property is also known for its luxurious spa where you can escape to a cocoon of calm and melt away the stresses with over two floors of tranquillity.

The views continue when you take a dip in the 20-metre swimming pool. There’s also a vitality pool, amethyst steam room and high-tech fitness studio.

B&B from €70pp hastingshotels.com 0044 (0) 28 4372 1066 transformed by the Spain family into a luxury self-catering hideaway.

Restoration began in 2003 with all the original windows and doors handcrafted to the exact design of what would have been there before.

Expect exceptional views and if you’re lucky a glimpse of the Milky Way on a cloudless night.

Sleeps up to 4 €1,480 per week, short stays also available uniquehomestays.com / 0044 (0) 1637 881183 built for military use.

It has recently been renovated and furnished with findings from owner Evelyn McNamara’s travels - rugs and tiles from Morroco, sideboards from Pakistan, chandeliers from Bali and door handles from India.

All alongside some auction finds such as the art deco chemist door found in Waterford.

Head out onto the porch and catch the sun all day long. Bliss.

Sleeps 2 €190 per night airbnb.ie

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Book Direct & Save 10% www.sandymounthotel.ie ABOUT SANDYMOUNT HOTEL The 4 star Sandymount Hotel has been run by the Loughran Family since 1955, celebrating 65 years as the largest family run hotel in Dublin.

Located near Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 beside the Aviva Stadium and the DART rail, you can be in Dublin city centre in minutes and at the city’s top attractions including Grafton Street, the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. The RDS, 3 Arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre are all within walking distance of the hotel as are the stunning villages of Sandymount & Ballsbridge.

Sandymount Hotel enjoys a long & distinguished history which continues to whisper through the bricks & corniced ceilings of the Victorian Houses which now comprise the modernised hotel. All guest bedrooms include complimentary parking and WIFI. All guests have access to the hotel’s fitness room.

Lobster Dishes from €20

F R E E PA R K I N G | G R E AT L OC AT I O N LANDSCAPED GARDENS WITH OUTDOOR TERRACE DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED DAILY IN THE LINE OUT BAR

7 Days a Week | 12 noon to 10.30 pm www.sandymounthotel.ie

info@sandymounthotel.ie | +353 1 6142000

Henry Street, Limerick City | T: 061 609 325 | hamptonsgrill.ie Sandymount Hotel, Herbert Road, Dublin 4, DO4 VN88

Mizen Head

Ireland’s most Southwesterly Point on the Wild Atlantic Way

Mizen Café & Gift Shop

Pic: John Eagle

“One of the best attractions in Ireland...” “... spellbinding”

www.mizenhead.ie

GPS: 51° 27’ 0.59” N - 9° 49’ 5.99” W

028-35000 / 35115

GO W ILD’S STAYC AT ION

PL AYLIST WITH SHAEFR I Meet Shaefri Shaefri is an Irish-Egyptian artist, musician and songwriter. She recently released her new EP, Girl, which featured on The Sunday Times Culture Hottest Tracks, and has recently co-written the soundtrack for Sundance Film Festival selection Binti.

Inspired by her duel heritage, Girl examines the experience of being a young woman today.

Arabic beats meet harmonies that hark back to summers spent in Mayo and family sing-alongs.

Percussion and strings spring from a childhood immersed in the music of both cultures.

“Some of the themes on Girl are quite dark and serious, but sonically, it’s all upbeat and uplifting,” Shaefri says.

“I’m not wallowing in what’s gone wrong. I’m addressing issues and actual events that are affecting

Dublin Nina Cried Power - Hozier

my generation. Talking about them gets them out in the open and helps overcome them.

“We’ve got very little stability, whether it’s where you

Recognising the times we’re in right now, this seems fitting. I love

live, your finances, your mental health, your family,

the way both voices work together and it reminds me of the recent

your friends, your career - nothing is certain and it can

Black Lives Matter protests in Dublin. Ireland is not historically the

be really unsettling,” the London-born artist adds.

most anti-racist country but I’m confident that change is coming

“But it’s ok not to have everything together, no-one

and to see the youth in particular rising up is amazing. This song

does. You don’t need to fulfil anyone else’s expectations

is powerful and uplifting and I think the sentiment behind it is

of how you should live your life. It’s your life and

galvanising young people all across Ireland at the moment.

your choice, if you stick with it, you’ll get there.”

Ireland Dreams - Irish Women in Harmony I’m including this one because I think, right now dreams are all we have - whilst restrictions are lifting, we’re limited in what and where is safe to travel, much more so than before, so I thought it’d be fitting to start off with this one.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

The Irish Sea Black Is The Colour - Cara Dillon

I don’t know why but I’ve always loved this song, and this version - I always used to listen to it on the plane on the way home to Mayo, looking out over the Irish Sea. Cara Dillon’s voice is beautiful and I think such a wonderful example of that ineffable ‘Irish tone’ so many women have. No other culture or people can sing like it. It makes me feel really nostalgic for Ireland, as a country, especially being based in London now.

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Newport, Co. Mayo Perdida - Biig Piig

I love this song because it reminds me of sitting in The Gráinne Uaile in Newport, warming by the fire after getting caught in some gale-force wind and rain - the little static on it just makes me feel cosy. The weather out west is so unpredictable - you can get four seasons in a day but that’s part of what makes it so special. I also love Biig Piig because although she’s Irish she grew up in Spain so her music is a blend of the cultures she grew up in, like mine.

The Aran Islands My Love is like a Red Red Rose - The Fureys

My parents got engaged on the Aran Islands and this is one of my dad’s favourite songs. We all went to the Aran Islands as a family for their 20th wedding anniversary and it was really special to go to the same place. I think few people get to do that. I also love the Aran Islands - it really is one of the few places left pretty much untouched these days. It’s wild and life is just simpler there. I’d love to go back.

Westport, Co. Mayo Egyptian Luvr - Rejjie Snow

Limerick Duel Citizenship - Denise Chaila

This one’s a bit cheeky because it’s a bit of a personal favourite. I’m Irish/ Egyptian so I love that it’s a young mixed-heritage (Irish-Jamaican/ Nigerian) artist singing about their Egyptian Luvr. It reminds me of pre-drinks with friends before nights out in Westport - it’s got a really great vibe and always brings a smile to my face when I hear it.

Clew Bay Dearg Doom - Horslips

This track really resonates with me because of my own mixed-heritage - my grandmother was from Limerick and my grandfather from Asyut, Egypt. I’m so excited to see more Irish artists with different cultural blends coming through now and being celebrated as they deserve to be. I feel like space hasn’t been made for them before. There’s a long way to go

This one’s old but gold. My dad used to play it to us all the time when we’d go out into Clew Bay during our summer holidays. We’d try and drive as fast as possible with this absolutely blasting, riding across the waves. If you need a song that’ll make you feel a bit reckless, this is it!

Inishbofin, Galway I’ll Fly Away - Dessie O’Halloran

but seeing acts like Denise be recognised for her talent is a great start.

West Coast Joy Crookes - Anyone But Me

I think mental health is a very pervasive issue in the whole of Ireland - not only as we’ve all spent the last few months in isolation, which has exacerbated it for most people but in general, it’s still a topic that’s quite taboo and seen as weakness. Shows like Normal People have explored this beautifully and shown the vulnerability and suffering of young men and I think Joy Crookes captures the internal struggle really well here. I’ve definitely spent some time trying to figure out my head on long walks on the west coast. It’s so peaceful

This song reminds me of trips to Inishbofin, we used to go out with

and quiet, you look up at Croagh Patrick, see the natural beauty of

a few other family friends every year in a sort of convoy - I have

the surroundings and can take a deep breath and really reset.

really happy memories of those trips (despite the stomach-churning waters!) I would have never heard of Dessie had we not gone there and

Listen to the music on Spotify -

I think it’s a really authentic reflection of the place and its people.

Go Wild Staycation Playlist … with Shaefri

G

alway urban artist Róisín Curé observes life at close quarters.

The results are beautiful sketches that ooze vibrancy and colour.

This interpretation, done in situ, is of Galway city’s market, one of many in her book The City of Tribes Captured in Sketches.

URBAN LEGEND

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Using ink and watercolours Róisín’s drawings offer insight into the history and legends of one of Ireland’s most iconic urban landscapes.

“I have observed the city at close quarters, indoors and out,” she says. “I have eavesdropped on conversations, I’ve absorbed the music and I’ve experienced great kindness from Galwegians.

“Despite being cold most of the time, my days have been an endless blissful state of line and colour.”

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Top things to do in Belfast Belfast City Hall Belfast’s Civic Building, the City Hall. first opened its doors in 1906 and today runs regular free public tours. The classical renaissance style of the building is a source of pride for the people of Belfast and it’s not hard to see why. Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the hall, depicting Celtic myths and legends, such as the Cattle Raid of Cooley, as well as commemorating victims of the great famine and those who fought in the first and second world wars.

Crumlin Road Gaol Voted one of Belfast’s top attractions by Trip Advisor, Crumlin Road Gaol is a sight to behold. Closed in 1996 after 150 years, today it is host to everything from educational tours to weddings and concerts, not to mention claiming to be one of the most haunted sites in Belfast.

Cave Hill Country Park Named for the five caves along the main Belfast cliffs, Cave Hill Country Park is a hive of outdoor activity: a sprawling expanse of walking trails and orienteering routes, it is home to its own playground and is a mere five minutes from Belfast Zoo.

Visitors can opt to take part in the paranormal tour, visiting the hotspots of spooky activity, as well as the gaol’s execution chamber and flogging room. While it might not sound the best option for the faint of heart, children and families are catered to as well, with some great kid-friendly tours.

The Mac Trust us: the Metropolitan Arts Centre Belfast (Mac) is where you want to be for music, theatre, art, dance and everything in between. Opened in 2012, a typical year’s events can range from roller disco to mind-reading shows plus experimental documentaries and that’s just the theatre.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Crown Liquor Salon The Crown Liquor Saloon is a two-minute walk from Great Victoria Street Station and only a short stroll from the Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel. Dating back to the 1880s, the Crown is a gem of the Victorian era. Formerly known as the Liquor Saloon, this ageless and priceless pub was one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces in the city and still boasts many of its original features, including gas lighting.

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Off the beaten track

Family travel expert Jody Halstead shares some of the unexpected spots and activities to search out in Ireland Discover some of Ireland’s unknown sites I use Neil Jackman’s fabulous book Ireland’s Ancient East to find ‘off the tourist trail’ monuments and megaliths. A recent favourite was the Gaulstown Dolmen in Waterford.

The beauty of these out of the way places is the accessibility you have to the site - and the fact that there are usually no other people there.

Climb a round tower Most round towers in Ireland are inaccessible but there are three ancient round towers that can be scaled. My favourite is the round tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny. I am a huge fan of the medieval city. But you can also climb the round town on Devenish Island in Co. Fermanagh and sometimes the tower at Cathedral Church of St. Brigid in Kildare is open for people to ascend. The round tower above Daniel O’Connell’s grave at Glasnevin Cemetery is a modern recreation, but visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of Dublin from the top.

many of Ireland’s megalithic sites are set in alignment with the seasons. For the spring and fall equinox I love Loughcrew in Meath. The climb to the monuments atop the hill offers incredible views over Meath and Westmeath and there is really nothing like seeing the carvings alight with the first rays of the sun.

If you haven’t experienced falconry yet be sure to add it to your bucket list There is really nothing like the feeling you have as a Harris hawk trains its eyes on you and flies directly at you to land so lightly on your gloved arm and gobble down the meat as you open your fist. My favorite Hawk Walk is with Adare Country Pursuits at Adare Manor in Co. Limerick. You can learn about other birds of prey including owls, eagles, and falcons

before flying your hawk. You’ll find falconry experiences across Ireland.

Try an adventure There are so many ‘light adventure’ activities to be found across Ireland.

River or ocean kayaking, climbing and bouldering, coasteering, stand up paddleboarding, and, of course, hill walking. Take a long weekend to a county you haven’t explored before and get outside! My recommendation?

Visit Sligo and spend part of your day with Northwest Adventure Tours. They can lead you to remote islands via SUP or guide you to the top of Benbulben.

Hooked and Eala Bhan - Anthony Gray’s amazing restaurants – are wonderful.

Based in the US, Jody Halstead is a freelance writer and founder of Ireland Family Vacations – an online resource dedicated to family travel in Ireland.

Visit a megalith at the solstice or equinox Though the summer solstice has just passed (I recommend the stone circle in Co. Limerick for this morning spectacle) Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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Smells Like… Staycation Spirit

Turf | Soilse | €18.50 soilsecandlecompany.ie This apothecary style amber jar candle and its heady top notes of bergamot, spice and wood with a base of amber and red cedar takes inspiration from the ancient Irish landscape.

Dundalk candle-makers Soilse have beautifully captured the comfort and warmth you come to expect from the smoky aromas of a traditional turf fire. Bring a little bit of nature and the great outdoors inside.

Black Coffee, Jasmine & Vanilla Só Soy | €11.95 - €31.95 sosoy.co.uk Luxury fragrances and minimalist design are at the heart of Só Soy’s vegan candles.

Hand poured and made next to the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim, botanical oils and soya beans combine to create a slower, sustainable burning wax. Wake up to the smell of this black coffee, jasmine and vanilla with top notes of pink pepper and orange blossom. Good morning!

Meadow | Field Day | €19.95 fielddayireland.co.uk The surrounding hills will come alive with the scent of this meadow candle from Field Day Ireland. Created by Alix

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Mulholland in a converted mushroom factory in the Co. Down countryside, light the wick and imagine yourself taking a stroll over fresh dewy grass. With notes of clover and hay, its beechwood lid and sustainable packaging printed with vegetable inks offers the perfect finish.

Bay Leaf & Mint Tipperary Crystal | €16 tipperarycrystal.ie Breathe in and relax. This aromatherapy candle by Tipperary Crystal blends pure essential oils to create a fresh yet spicy lingering scent to help inspire peace and clear the mind.

Well-being is at the heart of this blend of mint and bay leaf. Think of it as part of your daily ritual for a positivity boost.

Honey Bergamot Rowan Beg | €18 - €35 rowanbegdesignstudios.ie With its signature urban concrete jars, Rowan Beg’s candles are hand-poured in small batches in a Connemara garden studio. Creator Nicola McGuinness is a former artist and designer who has returned to her maker roots following a decade in corporate finance in New York. The honey and bergamot combine for a sweet citrusy experience. Perfect for a hipster inspired city break.

Summer Rain | Byrne | £19.20 byrnecandles.com ‘Somewhere in my heart I’m always dancing with you in the summer rain.’

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Alexa, play Belinda Carlisle. With notes of white rose, jasmine, amber, lily, iris and ylang-ylang, this candle from independent company Byrne is a reminder that there’s always a little sunshine on a rainy day.

Hand-poured and made with a natural blended soybean and rapeseed oil wax.

Elderflower, Rhubarb & Rose Brooke & Shoals | €22 brookeandshoals.ie Is there anything better than sitting in the garden at the heights of summer and soaking in the sunshine. Brooke and Shaoals have captured this enchanting feeling in a candle you can enjoy all year round by fusing the aromas of freshly picked rhubarb, tangy elderflower and rose petals in a natural wax blend. Perfumery perfection.

Belong | Clean Slate | €28 cleanslate.ie A sense of being safe, anchored and connected to your loved ones, is how Clean Slate founder Nicole Connolly describes the feeling you’ll get from the Belong candle. Sounds like the perfect antedote to a turbulent 2020.

Handmade in Dublin, the mix of tuberose, musk and teakwood has an altogether velvety allure. Simple living in a jar. www.gowildmagazine.com

THROWBACK VACAY Lockdown has left many of us longing for those carefree days of old so it’s little surprise that we are choosing to return to childhood holiday locations in search of familiar fun and festivities. Dubliner Mark Loftus, founder of Irish gifting company The Paddy Box, plans to do just that on his next staycation

‘There’s no better place in the world than Ireland when the sun is shining.’

It’s my dad’s voice I hear coming from my mouth every time I say this now.

And, it’s true.

Summertime in Ireland brings a flood of nostalgic feelings and a sense of pure contentment.

I feel instantly transported to the days of making bases with my friends in fields, eating sandy sandwiches behind a windbreaker with my sister and constantly having a hurley in my hand.

When I think of childhood holidays, there’s only one place that comes to mind for me - Ventry, Co. Kerry. Our family, along with two others, would make the six-hour car journey down from Dublin every summer for 13 years.

That week each year was the highlight of our summer.

The car would be packed to the gills with everything but the kitchen sink.

Of course a holiday at home meant preparing for all weather eventualities.

We’d have wellies and flip flops, coats and swimsuits, boogie boards and board games.

You name it, it was in the boot.

The back of the car would be divided in two - an invisible but very clear between myself and my younger sister.

A foot across the line would cause havoc or pure divilment, which was always met with a “’Stop that messing, your dad is trying to drive’ from my mam.

Three hours into the journey, we’d stop in Limerick for a McDonalds.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

I’d have probably already puked well before this - I was the car sick kid but, it had its perks of being allowed into the front seat at times.

Another three hours and we’d be driving over the Conor Pass, listening to Mary Black on repeat making our descent into Dingle.

Getting onto the Slea Head drive we’d know we were close to Ventry.

It was always a race between the three families to see who could make it down first and get perched up outside the Ventry Inn. I don’t think we ever won in 13 years.

As we approached the pub, my sister and I would stand up in the car, stick our heads out the sunroof and start hooting and hollering. Ahh the 90s, when road safety was a pipe dream!

Who’s cheatin’?

Ventry is a small village about 10 minutes outside of Dingle.

It had a shop come post office, a pub and a beach to rival the best in the world.

We stayed in white-wash cottages that were a kid’s dream.

There were bunk beds, of course, and naturally always a scrap for the top bunk.

The cottage was surrounded by fields and just a two-minute walk to the shop with the best sweets and a pub with a pool table and a Street Fighter arcade machine.

There were so many memories made down in Ceann Trá, it’s hard - 66 -

to single out one moment in time.

Over the years we created routines and traditions.

Between the three families there were five kids, all around the same age, and seven adults, my parents and their best friends.

As children we were free as birds, the area was so safe.

We’d spend sunny days camped on Ventry Bay Beach.

Our dads would tell us they were playing a trick on our mams and would go up to Páidi Ó Sé’s for pints while we’d be digging holes and burying each other in the sand.

Rainy days were spent playing pool and seeing how many sweets you could get for a pound.

We still talk about the man who would peek his capped head over the half door of the Ventry Inn and shout ‘Who’s cheatin’?’ in his lyrical Kerry drawl.

Boat trips to see Fungi were an annual tradition. We’d bring apples to throw in for the resident dolphin of Dingle Bay - don’t ask me why!

Our young voices would be hoarse getting off the boat.

There would be cloudy days too - spent in the snug in Paidi’s with bottle of 7up and a bag of Tayto, watching GAA matches, kitted out in our Dublin gear, much to the dismay of the man himself Páidi Ó Sé. Evenings were spent at the fun fair in Dingle, listening to trad sessions in the Ventry Inn or terrorising the local babysitters our parents would www.gowildmagazine.com

It’s a family business and when we started brainstorming so much of the nostalgia, joy and Irishness came from memories of our summer holidays’

Mark on family holidays in Kerry as a child

Mark Loftus

draft in while they went into town.

A time for nostalgia and joy The week would always go too fast and our last night of the holiday was the same every year.

The most anticipated and prepared for evening of the week - the closing party.

Each child had to prepare and perform a party piece and prepare we did.

The night was started with dinner, cooked on disposable barbeques - only the best.

When the sun went down, the party started.

The stage was the coffee table in the living room and each of us would perform in front of the adults.

We’d be buzzing with the attention, making up new party pieces on the spot to keep the night going. Someone would always end up crying or with a bump on their head but it was worth every tear.

In many ways, my experiences in Ventry and Dingle over the years shaped the personality of The Paddy Box as a company.

It’s a family business and when we started brainstorming ideas for

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

different aspects of the business and products, so much of the nostalgia, joy and Irishness came from our memories of our summer holidays.

Our old school sweets and the name of our best-selling box, the ‘Not Before Your Dinner box were ideas purely based on our visits to Ventry.

Shortly after we started the company, myself and my family went back to Dingle and drew so much inspiration from that trip.

We were extremely fortunate to be busy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, delivering care packages with a taste of home all over the world.

There were so many stories.

Whether it was friends and family who are living abroad and couldn’t come home for their holidays; family members stranded; loved ones sending a ‘thinking of you’ gift, a ‘get well soon’ or just an Irish mammy sending a box full of nostalgic treats.

We’ve been amazed and so proud of how Irish people have rallied together during this time and have continued to encourage one another to keep the head up, keep moving forward and essentially in the most

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Irish way of all to ‘keep her lit’.

Personally, I haven’t had much down time since the pandemic took hold.

When we were in the thick of lockdown and I couldn’t have any of our staff working for fear of contamination.

It was 5am to 10pm work days, alone in the warehouse, for me.

When my fiancée had finished her own work day, she would come in to help pack boxes until close to midnight - all while a few weeks pregnant.

It’s been hard work but we’re so grateful and delighted that we could bring a smile to so many people around the world who were missing a bit of home during this tough time.

At some point soon, when we get some time to regroup and have some downtime, a staycation would be a welcome escape to recharge the batteries a little.

We’ve discussed a few, obviously Ventry is on my list.

We’ll be going down to the Kerry region, whether it’s Kenmare or Dingle. I’m easy as I know we’ll be able to relax, have amazing food, craic and get a great welcome.

Just like we always did before.

www.gowildmagazine.com

ESSE NTIAL NORTHER N IREL AND E XPER IE NCES FOR 2020 After a brilliant 2019 in tourism across Northern Ireland, everyone’s asking what’s going to be hot in 2020. Well, in line

Step into the Heaney HomePlace Take a literary journey through the life and works of Nobel Laureate

with the new experience brand that has been developed to

and world-famous poet Seamus Heaney. Set in his hometown of

promote Northern Ireland, there will be a host of new and

Bellaghy, the Heaney HomePlace features a series of interactive

unique experiences inviting you to ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’

exhibitions over two floors, including real recordings of the man himself

and awaken your own. Here are just six to start you off.

reciting his own work. Discover the words, rhythms and rhymes that made Heaney the most widely published poet in the English language

Toast the Causeway Coast

and browse a host of personal artefacts such as his beloved leather

From the comfort of a luxury coach, savour a guided food tour along

school satchel, family photos and books from his own collection.

the Causeway Coastal Route. Arrive hungry, for the Toast the Coast guides will bring you to numerous foodie hotspots, each showcasing

Hike along a clifftop

the best of local produce. Start with a deli breakfast featuring hand-

See the Giant’s Causeway from a new angle with the help of an

blended Clandeboye Yoghurt and Armagh Apple Juice, then get

Away a Wee Walk expert guide. Their five-mile Giant’s Causeway

ready to experience the likes of Glenarm shorthorn beef, organic

Cliff Path Walk offers a stunning experience of some of the best

smoked salmon, gin, tapas, an artisan bakery and handmade fudge.

clifftop views in Europe. With plenty of photo and commentary

Make a final toast to the coast in one of Ireland’s smallest pubs.

stops along the way, the hike begins at Dunseverick Castle before traversing an undulating, extremely scenic cliff path maintained

Soak up Belfast’s trad music scene

by the National Trust. The views of Rathlin Island, coastal bays,

Treat your ears to an in-depth Belfast Traditional Music

high cliffs and the Giant’s Causeway are simply breathtaking.

Trail experience, which takes you through the city’s thriving Cathedral Quarter in the company of skilled musicians. Listen

Discover a royal residence

as they tell tales, share songs and give renditions of traditional

Experience the beautiful Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, still in

pieces with a variety of instruments, including the uilleann

use as a royal residence, in all its restored and reimagined glory. The

pipes. Learn about the various traditional tunes, the difference

Georgian castle’s stories of celebration, diplomacy and negotiation

between a reel and a jig, and the language, customs and history

are now encapsulated in a fascinating guided tour that takes in the

that make up some of Belfast’s rich musical heritage.

grand Throne Room, the ceremonial heart of the castle, as well as the State Drawing Room, Lady Grey’s Study, the State Dining Room,

Go on an island discovery

Red Room and Stair Hall. Or just go for the stunning gardens, where

Create memories that will last a lifetime with your own personalised

you can meander around 100 acres of outdoor enchantment.

island-hop around the beautiful Fermanagh lakelands. Relax on board the Erne Water Taxi and experience a watery landscape full

Discover more ideas for weekend breaks at www.

of hidden history and islands rich in heritage and folklore. Hear

discovernorthernireland.com

stories about the islands from your passionate and engaging host, then listen to the silence of the tranquil waterways once the boat’s engines are turned off. Don’t forget to hop into one of the many lakeside venues for some great food, hospitality and entertainment.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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www.gowildmagazine.com

THE FUTURE OF HOTELS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

I

nvite Resorts hospitality consultant Seamus Leahy looks at how disruption and changing attitudes could help save the industry

‘On behalf of the management and staff, we welcome you to - insert any hotel brand here. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of us to assist you during your stay.’

The traditional hotel welcome. In itself, the sentiment is positive and well-meaning but perhaps it points to the need for change in hospitality.

In a bid to become effective hospitality global entities, hoteliers tend towards homogeneity.

A cookie on arrival or personalised plate in the room perhaps is not enough to differentiate anymore.

Pre COVID 19 the industry was ready for disruption.

The emergence of brands such as CitizenM or Tribute, and even Premier Inns confirm others are having similar thoughts.

Even the larger groups also recognise the need for alternatives with Moxy by Marriott, Centric by Hyatt or Tru by Hilton all striving to deliver that newer experience the modern traveller demands.

But there’s the rub.

Are the big hotel brands or even the local hotelier actually the Nokias of hotels?

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Just too entrenched in traditional hotel thinking that they simply present the same solution with different wrapping when we, the customers, want the iPhone of hotels - though we might not know it yet.

Rathan Chadha, formerly of fashion brand TK Maxx, suggests that the CitizenM brand ‘disrupts’ the traditional hotel industry by creating a hybrid hotel for today’s modern travellers.

His goal is to create a space where like-minded people can relax, meet and be inspired – or as he says give them ‘wifi, comfort and a good bed’.

Echoing his sentiments, I urge hoteliers to relook at their hotel model, challenge themselves to try to do things differently, and yes, absolutely, to shout about it when they do.

It is commonly argued that the disrupter must be a brand with attitude, but I believe it simply needs to be a brand and concept with originality, freedom in thought and self-confidence.

Such a distinctive hotel experience will attract our new mobile citizens … once we are allowed to travel again at least.

Layering this thought into hotel operations, hoteliers need to truly reevaluate what the audience wants.

Is it top hats, silver service and hushed tones?

The recent finalist of The Radical Innovation Competition for the hotel industry may bear out this fact.

With glass panelling floor to ceiling,

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high end technology and wifi and comfort food on tap, the Infinite Explorer Train is an uber-modern representation of the once revolutionary Orient Express.

Is this the way hotels need to think when re-imagining themselves?

As well as understanding changing consumer demands and motivations, is a need to evaluate where costs become prohibitive to a profitable operation.

Quite often this seems to be the downfall. Rooms are the revenue engine of any hotel, and yet, hotelier performance is often an obsession with the food and beverage operation.

How can the hotelier change their mindset to ensure investment of time and resource in those areas that deliver true returns?

It is likely the hotel brands that understand the difference between following marketing trends and genuinely re-imagining and leading, are the ones that capture the imagination of the future traveller.

The brands that care about their customer and not just say they do – these are the true disruptors.

I believe the modern demanding and vocal consumer will insist on those traits.

Therefore, its likely we will see a slow but obvious decline in hotels that cling to past values execution and styling without the vision to inspire our new generation of traveller.

And to be honest, I really hope so.

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Eat, sleep, play

For the love of dogs From Labradors to Poodles, Irish Setters to Yorkshire Terriers, we’re officially a nation of dog lovers.

Figures from a 2018 study suggests

make homemade dog treats.

And Harry’s Dog Bakery was

and Leitrim village area, here you can combine a day on the water

born.

Martina uses ingredients such as

there are about 450,000 of our

honey, carrots, Armagh apple, oats

canine friends living amongst us.

and Donegal rapeseed oil to slow bake her hand-cut dog biscuits.

Around 15 per cent of pet owners

Operating around the Battlebridge

With stockists nationwide and

with spending quality time with your dog.

Provided both of you are up for a splashing time, Lee offers a range of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) experiences.

also spend more than €30 a month

online, she also offers gifts boxes

on luxury homemade treats alone.

– such as the Cool Rock Dog pack

While a survey by Pet Sitters Ireland

(€12) - and other accessories to

sheltered location and getting

last year revealed that seven-in-ten

keep those tails wagging.

kitted out with buoyancy aids and appropriate water wear.

of us allow our animals to share our beds - little wonder then that pet tourism is on the rise.

The hound pound has never been more important for businesses up and down the country.

Dogs have a proven benefit to health and well-being, from getting out for that daily walk to having a sofa snuggle buddy in the evenings.

With staycations now on the cards for most of us this year, it’s the perfect time to reward that puppy love and companionship.

SIOBHÁN BREATNACH discovers some dog-friendly options to try the next time you travel.

Treat time in Monaghan When Marita Woods brought Cocker Spaniel Harry home in 2012,

Be a VIP in Meath It’s not just owners who want to get away for it all on holiday. Our four-legged friends also enjoy a change of scenery, somewhere different to sniff out and explore.

Tankardstown, in Co. Meath, is a country house and estate near the village of Slane.

With 80 acres of walled gardens, woods and parkland nearby, they have a VIP, that’s Very Important Pooch in this case, offering.

You can check in with your furry friend at reception before heading to one of the dog-friendly courtyard cottages where you’ll find a complimentary treat and water bowl waiting for your dog.

Dogs are allowed to accompany

she would spoil him with treats and

owners free of charge on any of

toys.

our packages, where B&B starts at

Unfortunately due to a sensitive stomach, the treats made him

€295 for two people sharing and includes outdoor dining options.

unwell so being a chef by trade, she set out to study dog nutrition at college to find an alternative.

Working with a local vet, the Clontibret, Co. Monaghan based entrepreneur came up the idea to combine all-natural ingredients to Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Sessions start by meeting at a

Surf’s up in Leitrim Lee Guckian knows that life is all about balance – quite literally.

The water sports instructor and river rescue technician runs the

A rules of the river talk - how to paddle, what to do if you fall in – is then followed by a short demonstration on the water.

“We get the humans on the boards in a kneeling position until they are used to controlling the board before attempting to stand up,” he says, though you can also sit, kneel or even lie down on the board if you like.

“We suggest that you get comfortable paddling on your knees before your canine mate comes aboard.

“Then paddle into shore and see if your dog is happy to come aboard.

“Most dogs usually hop on and after a bit of confusion, they usually perch themselves on the front of the board,” he adds.

A session, usually about two hours, is €40 per person. Dogs go free!

“The pace of travel is determined by the flow of the water, wind, and paddle skills,” Lee says.

“So this creates a sense of journey and passage of time.”

Leitrim Surf Company.

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Galway, it’s all right here F

ailte Ireland’s current promotion ‘make a break for it’ is aimed at the domestic market in this extraordinary year of 2020. Galway in the west of Ireland – the best of Ireland is the ideal location for that break, midway along the wild atlantic way with a host of wonderful Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Visitor Attractions, People, etc. Safety is pre-eminent nowadays and the heading tells you that you will be safe here in the wide open spaces of county Galway and lets not forget the towns of Ballinasloe, Tuam, Loughrea, Athenry, Portumna, Gort, Oranmore, Oughterard, Clifden, Mountbellew with Galway City the fulcrum of your stay.

So having got here what do you do?

You could go for a swim in the sea

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

but the sea won’t talk to you, you could go for a walk but the streets won’t talk to you, you could go for a cycle but the bike won’t talk to you and we know how you like to talk, oh yes this is where we come in – who are we ? Galway Tourist Guides Association with c.40 fully qualified Guides, who are here to entertain, inspire, educate and provide you with an experience that will make your visit memorable. We are known to speak many languages but not at the same time, French, German, Italian, Danish and Gaeilge come to mind.

So what we suggest for you : walking tours of Galway City are very popular, but we suggest the walled town of Athenry for a walk and if you have ever dreamed of singing ‘the fields of Athenry’ in Athenry now is your chance. A short distance away is the moated town of Loughrea where we

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would love to show you the stained glass of St Brendan’s Cathedral.

The romantic village of Cong on the Mayo border has many stories to tell. In more rural settings we have Guides for walks in the Burren and on the hills of Connemara. So let us put you in the hands of Liam or Karen or Gerard or Kathleen or Patrizia or Paul or Andrea or Lila et al. All our Guides wear face shields.

Those who would like something more off beat and wish to travel a little further can book a Driver/ Guide to experience a food tour, a craft tour or an art tour or maybe visit the graves of your ancestors in some remote rural graveyard.

Just visit our website : www. galwaytourguides.com and fill in the contact form and we will contact you shortly.

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Things to Do in Kerry The Ring of Kerry Not so much a single site as an entire circuit of rugged, rural beauty, this is the one tour you must do while in Kerry. The ‘ring’ takes you around the Iveragh Peninsula, past a host of gorgeous Atlantic views, quaint towns and tiny, enticing beaches. Around every corner is a photo opportunity, so go under your own steam, if possible.

The Blasket Islands

Muckross House At Muckross House, you’ll get a glimpse into a luxurious 18th Century life at this fantastic, manicured throwback. This is a rural estate that’s home to horse-pulled jaunting cars, fantastic gardens, lake views and craft stores.

The Islands once had a thriving Irish-speaking population but were evacuated to the mainland due to harsh Atlantic conditions in the 1950s. Jokingly called ‘next parish America’, this spot is as ‘battered west coast’ as you can hope to see. There’s a stunning beauty in that.

Skellig Michael A jagged, difficult-to-access island off the Kerry shoreline, Skellig Michael was once an isolated hermitage and is now almost as well-known for its core role in two Star Wars movies. To get there you’ll need good summer weather and your climbing legs but toiling amid the puffins is well worth it, for the rustic housing and glorious views.

Gap of Dunloe Fungie the dolphin Resident in the harbour of gorgeous Dingle Bay, Fungie has long been Ireland’s most famous non-human and he plays to the crowds. Heading out on a boat to meet, or better still, to swim with this playful mammal, is a Kerry essential. If Fungie is not in a playful mood, if you don’t find him, you don’t pay.

Carrauntoohil The highest peak of the McGillicuddy Reeks mountain range, Carrauntoohil is a challenging climb for intermediate-level hikers.

It rises to just over 1,000 metres via the dramatic, slippery ‘Devil’s Ladder’. At its peak, you’ll find a huge iron cross and spectacular views across the Kerry countryside. A selfie-nut’s dream location.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

A fantastic drive into the Kerry Hills, the Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass through the McGillicuddy Reeks, a tough trail by car, but easily passable in the popular horse-pulled jaunting cars that are abundant in Killarney National Park. It’s popular to hike or bike the route, with Kate Kearney’s Cottage — a 150-year-old pubcraft- shop — a popular launching spot.

Kerry Cliffs, Portmagee The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, maybe Ireland’s most famous cliffs but Portmagee’s cliffs also offer incredible walks, dramatic drops and views out to Skellig Michael. Why are they less popular than Moher, yet 85 metres higher? Because buses can’t get here. In other words, they’re a lesser-known treat. However, to be avoided in strong winds.

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Things to Do in Kildare Donadea Forest Park Donadea Forest Park is situated in northwest Kildare and comprises of approximately 243 hectares of mixed woodland.

There are many different walks through the forest, including the 5km Aylmer loop, the lake walk (wheelchair accessible) and a nature trail with stops. The park is a designated National Heritage Area. There is a 9/11 Memorial at Donadea. The memorial was inspired by the memory of Sean Tallon, a young fire fighter, whose family had emigrated from Donadea. Additional facilities include public toilets with disabled access, coach parking and tea/coffee facilities.

The Irish National Stud and Gardens The Irish National Stud and Gardens is the home of equine royalty, immaculately-bred stallions, protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic yearlings. It is the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public and offering daily tours. Within the grounds are the worldfamous Japanese Gardens, the Horse Museum and St Fiachra’s Garden, created to celebrate the Millennium. Visit the Japanese Gardens for a relaxing stroll—created between the years 1906 and 1910, they were laid out by Japanese craftsman Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Newbridge Silverware - Museum of Style Icons Originally set up as a cutlery manufacturing company in 1934, Newbridge Silverware today offers a unique tourism experience at its visitor centre. With one of the world’s greatest collections of authentic couture style, Hollywood glamour, music memorabilia and other artefacts, the Museum of Style Icons is a treasure that has to be seen to be believed. Highlights of the collection include one of the greatest private collections of Audrey Hepburn garments in the world, two very famous outfits worn by Princess Grace of Monaco, Marilyn Monroe paper and garments, stage worn ensembles by Michael Jackson, plus much more. From summer 2018, the Newbridge Silverware Factory will also open to tourists for the first time ever. Guests will be transported behind the scenes and immersed in the history and craft aspects of the business.

Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park is a family day out attraction set in the heart of Ireland’s largest bog land, The Bog of Allen in Kildare. There is a great mix of fun, leisure and education activity to ensure that there is something to interest visitors of all ages. The woodland/bog land walks and themed gardens are famous for their vibrant colour throughout the summer. Also, an extensive outdoor adventure play area and the forest indoor play centre, 18 hole crazy golf, a pet farm with Falabella horses and a beautiful road train make Lullymore the kind of attraction you can’t miss when visiting the midlands.

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A TASTE EXPERIENCE T

here are more the 30 whiskey distilleries across the island of Ireland, where you can see, smell and taste the ‘water of life’. Whiskey has been distilled in Ireland since the sixth century and it’s now in the middle of a global renaissance.

From iconic distilleries to a new generation of makers there are whiskey experiences in every corner of the island.

Distillery tours open the door into the sights and sounds of mashing, fermenting, distilling and cask maturation. Distinctive gems across the country include Skellig Six18 in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, which takes its inspiration from the hostile beauty of the land and sea. Using traditional methods, it produces Irish Pot Still whiskey and gin from a former factory that once housed the Skellig boats.

Old Bushmills Distillery on the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the few distilleries in the world to distil, blend and bottle the spirit under the same roof - Bushmills is the oldest working distillery on the island. In Dublin, you can capture the magic of Irish whiskey at a collection of no fewer than four distilleries in the Liberties area of the city. With each offering stimulating tours and whiskey experiences, Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, Teeling, the Pearse Lyons boutique distillery and the Dublin Liberties Distillery are among those blazing the trail.

Also among the wide range of distilleries to explore are the Dingle Whiskey Distillery in Co. Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way, and Slane Distillery in Co. Meath.

And whiskey-lovers simply can’t miss a visit to the Echlinville Distillery in Co. Down, which offers a real insights into the workings of Northern Ireland’s first newly licensed distillery for over 125 years.

With each distillery inviting you to experience the making of Irish whiskey up close, it’s time to get a taste of the resurgence in Ireland’s native spirit.

Co. Sligo’s Lough Gill Distillery is home to Athrú and produces Single Malt whiskey that tells the story of ancient Ireland. Folklore and mythology is at the heart of this distillery located in Hazelwood Estate.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

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HARBOUR SUNDOWNER It’s hard to beat a harbour-side stroll at sunset with a bag of freshly-caught fish and chips in hand.

Photographer Chris Hill has captured the striking light at Ballycotton Harbour in this beautiful photo taken in this picturesque little East Cork fishing village.

Ballycotton is also one of the oldest lifeboat stations in Ireland. Established in 1858, this award-winning station is now home to one of the RNLI’s most modern rescue boats.

Image courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Grace

An award-winning short story by Angela Lyons

G

race won the Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award at this year’s Listowel Writers Week festival. It tells the story of a young girl with autism who sees the world in a unique way. Told from her perspective, it looks at how some people disappear from society because they are different.

Grace is gone.

She was here just ten minutes ago, her mother screamed.

Grace, shouted the mother.

Grace, yelled the neighbour, Mrs. McDermott.

I didn’t say anything because I knew.

I knew where Grace was.

Her dad painted the whole house blue, minimum disruption, they were advised, the family moving soundlessly through the rooms, careful not to rub off each other, no sudden moves, no hairdryers, radios or pneumatic drills, not that disembodied electric toothbrush with the two spare heads, no unexpected visits, Whohoo!

Guess Who? It’s only me.

Give a quick ring before you call.

Please and thanks.

Just to make sure we’re here, in the house where the tag eats your neck as you eat your dinner from a blue plate in your socks which are too hard and too white in the light which is too orange and too bright and where the tablecloth hurts your hands and smells like stupid and Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system. The surface temperature is 450 Celsius.

She was wearing a purple top and black leggings.

She loves purple, her mam told the guards.

No, she doesn’t. She loves blue but hates the taste of yellow.

It tastes like mould, she thinks.

Beige smells of spots and pencils.

She has no jacket.

She’ll be freezing, said Mrs McDermott.

Grace, shouted the heavy guard Leave it with us, said the smaller one, to Mrs McDermott who did.

Her son was calling her.

His thirty-four-year-old stomach craving its dinner.

His name was Ginger, and his hair was black.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

They also had a dog named Red. He was also black.

Grace is different, Miss O’Reilly said, as she squeezed her fat feet out of her new sandals, under the desk.

Grace knew because she could smell her sweat.

Each foot has 250,000 sweat glands so the feet are the most perspiring part of the body.

She had broad feet and should have gone a size bigger.

Grace doesn’t really mix with the other children.

Have you noticed this at home?

Does she play with the neighbouring children?

The neighbouring children smell of piss, Grace wanted to say.

Miss O’Reilly didn’t really want to go into the whole pretending she was a potato scenario as it was after half past three and the heat went off at 4. Grace didn’t know why it was such a big deal.

Being a potato doesn’t interrupt the class. It just lies there in the earth, growing quietly.

Clearly, the parents are in denial, Miss O’Reilly thought. The dad looked at the floor for the whole meeting and the mam was opening and closing the clip on her fake Louis Vuitton bag constantly.

Eventually, the mother looked up and said, Well, hopefully she’ll grow out of it. The teacher sighed.

Thank God. Meeting over.

Parents advised accordingly.

Written in report form to be placed in black folder in top drawer of filing cabinet.

Oral report to be given to the Principal in the morning.

Thank you for coming in.

I’m sure she’ll be fine.

Let me know if you have any more concerns.

Job done.

I forgot to mention that Grace told me a giraffe can clean its ears with its 21inch tongue. You’d never think it, would you?

I’m sorry, she seems to be lost in the system, I’ll have a look.

Reports and forms and letters and longer forms and similar letters, stamped, stapled, submitted again, and again, and articles read, and reread and internet searches to argue the case with the school,

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Can we get help?

Well, there are few resources.

You know yourself.

We’ll keep trying.

She seems very tired.

She doesn’t sleep.

Oh, really, why not?

Is she going to bed early enough?

Avoiding too much stimulation?

Eating too much sugar?

We hadn’t thought of any of that.

We are so glad we came.

The cartoon woman with the square face and the rectangular badge loomed over Grace.

She smelled of December, chocolate and vanilla, her thick lips were orange.

Now, who have we here? Is this Grace?

Yes, you look like a carp.

Did you know that some species of carp can survive for months without oxygen?

Imagine, said Big Lips Orange December.

It’s late, come on Grace, I have work to do.

I know you don’t understand, but I’m hanging on by the skin of my teeth here.

I’m barely holding it together, I feel like I’m drowning.

I do understand, So am I, Just holding it together and drowning.

Please, Grace, just go to sleep.

I can’t. I can’t just go to sleep, and orangutan means ‘man of the forest’ in the Malay language.

They called her Grace, from the Latin word ‘gratia’, meaning God’s favour but they could have called her Tick.

Tick here.

Tick there.

She ticks some of the boxes.

She ticks most of the boxes.

She ticks all the boxes.

Tick, tick, tick.

Shoes off, socks off, head off, leave me alone.

It’s lovely in here. So quiet.

I’m ok. I don’t want your noise, your problems, your screaming and screeching and begging and beseeching and preaching and trying so hard, and cooking big noisy turquoise food and wondering and apologising and planning appointments and schedules and meetings and consultations and observations and precipitation – it will definitely rain tomorrow.

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About the author: Angela Lyons is originally from West Cork but has been living in Co. Meath for the past 25 years.

A primary school teacher, she is currently finishing an MA in Creative Writing at Dublin City University.

Having written stories all her life, Angela has been shortlisted for many awards including the Frances McManus Award on RTÉ Radio on several occasions.

The Bryan MacMahon short story competition, which rewards excellence in new short fiction, at this year’s Listowel Writers Week is her first ‘big win’.

This year’s festival was celebrated with a special digital awards ceremony due to COVID -19.

Angela has also written several plays, which have been performed in various venues in Co. Meath, and is currently working on a book of short stories focusing on the theme of ‘difference’.

Try again, buy again, Will Grace come out to play?

Don’t fold the towel. It looks like an otter.

Break the building into little pieces and build it up again.

Four 2 pin yellow, six four pin reds, 20 billion bricks each year, 65 colours in all, crack in the baseplate., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene world.

Where’s Grace.

I’m here.

The elephant, the largest land mammal creates one tonne of poo per week.

Her mam rang her dad.

I know because I saw her pull out her iPhone 4 featuring the Apple 4 processor, 326 pi retina display, available in both black and white in 8GB size.

He raced home in his new Jaguar.

Slick grey with chrome wheels.

Cream leather interior.

Ridiculous looking, Mrs McDermott said. New money.

Big money, thought the guard.

Grace, the dad shouted.

No answer.

Soon, a little crowd had gathered.

The guards took control.

Nobody move, they said.

I stayed where I was though it didn’t make sense.

How would we find her if we didn’t move?

Please spread out.

Without moving?

We will meet back here in 30 minutes.

I wasn’t sure what to do.

It was dark, and I thought maybe I should go home but I couldn’t leave Grace out there alone.

Her mam was very upset.

She was playing right in front of the house up to 10 minutes ago, she said to nobody in particular.

I was watching her from the window. She waved in at me.

Lies.

Grace never waves.

The dad was subdued.

Maybe it is our fault, he said quietly.

Don’t be ridiculous, she said. That is what she always said when he spoke.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Stay here in case she comes back: the smaller guard told the mother.

I am sure we will find her soon. She can’t have gone too far.

Grace’s dad pulled on a fat green jacket and headed off into the dark. His head was down, and he looked like he might cry.

I thought I should go after him. Tell him where she was but I didn’t.

A strange little one, they said to each other as they trudged through the wood.

Rarely smiles.

They didn’t know Grace like I did. She mightn’t have smiled too much but she often smiled on the inside. I know because she told me. Sometimes, she was happy and not strange at all.

There was something thrilling about walking around the trees in the dark. I could hear the hushed voices. Sometimes, I thought I could hear laughter and I felt bad for poor Grace. I hoped she couldn’t hear them.

Grace, the guards shouted in unison, frightening the life out of each other.

Grace, Grace, where are you? Come on, it’s getting dark. Your mam and dad are so worried.

I don’t know how they cope.

The father looks exhausted.

Nice car though, mentioned the smaller one.

Good job, I think. Something in the bank. I see him heading off there in the mornings in a dark suit and carrying a briefcase. Must be high up.

Because of the briefcase?

Ah, you know what I mean.

There was some talk a while back.

About what?

Ah, probably nothing. I’ll tell you another time.

The men were getting impatient now. It was freezing cold and they wanted to go home to their own families. They poked at the ground with sticks as if she might be concealed in a little ant pile.

Grace’s mam will be drinking now. That’s what she always does at any sign of trouble. I’ll just have one to calm my nerves, she’d say. Sometimes she would hide the empty bottles in Mrs. McDermott’s shed just behind the lawnmower.

Grace’s dad had dug up the lawn. Grace hated the feel of wet grass. He poured grey concrete outside the blue house. Grace’s mam set some flowers in big pots right outside the door instead. Mrs McDermott said they were lovely, but her mam looked a bit sad.

Isn’t she a little pet. So quiet.

My fella never stops talking. Aren’t you lucky.

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Isn’t she great to play on her own. My one would never do that. She’s always on the go.

Grace, Grace, look at me. Isn’t she a sweetheart.

Are you ignoring your Auntie?

You look like a doughnut with pink frosting. I think somebody took a bite out of your head.

Grace loved the floating, dust particles she could see in the night air. She swept her hand across her face scattering the little globes. She tried to remember the difference between a peregrine falcon and a sparrow hawk. She was tired now and a little bit cold.

I loved Grace and I hated her. Grace was my enemy and my friend. I heard somebody once saying that’s a frenemy. It sounds funny, but I don’t think that’s a proper word.

We got a diagnosis, they said.

At least you know, Auntie Alice said.

Auntie Alice has the biggest nose in the country.

She looks like the teapot with the red hat. She even looks like a letter r; a beige r and she smells like a rabbit. She’s a pain, Grace’s dad said once or more than once. But she doesn’t look like a pain, more like an r or sometimes a small f, a green f.

I’m worried that people will label her. Grace’s mam said. Grace didn’t care about labels. She was thinking about the armadillos who had four babies at a time, all the same sex.

Her aunt nodded, and her eyes filled up.

Grace emitted a small growl in her direction and was delighted with the reaction of the beige r or the green f. She had to go home immediately as she had completely forgotten the time.

Grace’s dad looked very small out in the big forest.

He was rocking back and forth and crying and saying sorry, I didn’t mean it.

He was lying, like he always was.

For God’s sake. Stop rocking like that. Will you sit up straight?

How can we bring her anywhere?

I love you, Grace. I really do but I am so tired.

Jesus, Grace, will you stop screaming? I think I’m going mad.

That was funny because he didn’t go mad, but she tried to see him mad in her head. She laughed but he didn’t. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

It was foggy now and the voices were all jumbled up in the forest.

Grace, shouted the guards.

Grace, shouted her dad.

Grace, shouted Mrs McDermott’s son, Ginger who had just finished his tea.

Grace smiled on the inside.

I’m here, she said.

I’ve been here all the time.

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Things to Do in Kilkenny Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, is a charming Irish city filled with Medieval architecture and buildings. An impressive castle, several well-preserved churches, and tons of artisan boutique shops and pubs make it a favourite place for tourists to visit and a popular weekend getaway for the Irish locals (especially for stag and hen parties). With so many things to do in Kilkenny, it’s easy to spend a day or two in this picturesque town.

Kilkenny is only 1.5 - 2 hours from Dublin by car or bus, making it an easy day trip from Dublin, for those looking to get out of the capital and see a bit more of Ireland. It’s also a popular stop on guided day trips from Dublin to Glendalough and Wicklow.

Whether you have a couple of days, a full day, or even just a couple of hours, Kilkenny has plenty to offer and is definitely worth the visit. Here is my ultimate list of things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland.

The Medieval Mile Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile is a trail that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral. This stretch is filled with shops, pubs, restaurants, picturesque alleyways and tons of history. It’s fun to do on your own, but if you are a history fanatic or just a story love, consider taking a guided walking tour.

St Mary’s Cathedral Located on the highest point of Kilkenny, St. Mary’s Cathedral is easy to spot. This impressive Cathedral is created from cut limestone, all of which was sourced locally when it was built in the 1800s. It’s free to visit and definitely work a walk around and a visit inside to examine the beautiful architecture.

National Craft Gallery And Kilkenny Design Centre Kilkenny may be known as Ireland’s Medieval city but it’s also known for its local artisans and craft shops. Established in 2000, the National Craft Gallery is located in what was once the stable yard of Kilkenny Castle. The exhibitions here feature local and international artists who work with a variety of materials and techniques.

Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience Fun fact: Hurling in Ireland means something completely different than it does in North America. It’s a sport, and no, there’s no excessive drinking or being sick involved. The sport of Hurling is 3,000 years old and you can delve into that history at the Kilkenny Hurling Way Experience. Packages here include a museum visit, introduction video to the sport, learning some skills, and then watching a game over lunch at the bar.

Rothe House Rothe House and Garden is a bit of a hidden gem in Killarney. From the street, it just looks like a beautiful old building; which it is.

But while Rothe House is a stunning building, and the only one of its kind remaining in Ireland, it also is a museum and has a lovely garden in the back. Rothe House dates back to the early 1600s and is actually made up of three houses. The museum inside contains historical artefacts both found in the Kilkenny area and donated by residents. Tours are self-guided, with the gardens in the back being a highlight for many.

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Client editorials The Texas Steakout Good Honest Hearty Food Since 1989

The iNUA Collection It is time to roadtrip Ireland with The iNUA Collection’s nine stunning four and five star hotels dotted across our beautiful island.

Our dream destinations span from 25,000 acres of tranquillity at Muckross Park Hotel in the heart of Killarney National Park, to boutique charm on medieval cobbled streets at the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel.

Be pleasantly surprised by what the magical Midlands have to offer at the Tullamore Court Hotel or Hillgrove Hotel & Spa. Before heading to the hidden gem that is Louth’s coastline, where the most stylish Fairways Hotel Dundalk is to be found.

Or how about a tour of our beautiful Radisson Blu Hotels.

Awake to waterfront vistas in Athlone, roam endless acres of private woodlands in Limerick, indulge in pure

Back in 1989, when the idea of the Steakout was conceived, there were very few restaurants in Limerick City.

It was a gamble to open a restaurant with a Western theme and located in a basement was also a huge gamble.

Thankfully, it was exactly what the Limerick people were looking for and, they responded accordingly. Back then their Waiting Staff were attired in full Cowboy/Cowgirl regalia, complete with Stetsons, Guns and Holsters!

This caused quite a stir and was a great talking point in Limerick at that time. Kids were especially fascinated and spent more time playing with the Staff than eating their food!

Today, not much has changed except they’ve grown in size, so pop in to visit them on 116 O’Connell Street, Limerick, and discover for yourself the great food and excellent hospitality that awaits.

relaxation at The Spa at Radisson Blu Cork, or have it all in Sligo where our breath-taking views stretch from Benbulben to the sweeping coastline of Sligo Bay. Reunite with nature, catch-up with friends, dine in style and fill your heart with all The iNUA Collection has to offer.

Book at www.iNUA.ie with B&B for two people from €95.

Mayo North Here is second piece of editorial Bobby, with photo attached (please label Seaweeds Baths overlooking the River Moy – Chill Spa at the Ice House Hotel, Ballina) As we look closer to home for holiday inspiration, why not wander off the beaten track and visit somewhere new?

In Ballina and North Mayo, you’ll find exceptional value and all kinds of accommodation, from caravan & camping to self-catering cottages, luxury boutique hotels to familyfriendly stays, welcoming B&Bs to woodland castles.

You’ll find great dining options to suit all tastes, and heaps of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Base yourself in Ballina and enjoy easy access to the best of Mayo and Sligo, all within a one-hour drive. Most of all, you’ll find a welcome so warm, you’ll want to keep returning. We’ll see you soon!

Mizen Head Visitor Experience

Visit www.mayonorth.ie for more.

A full visit will take 1 – 2 hours with breath taking sea views here in Mizen, West Cork.

Mizen Head Visitor Information On your way to or from Mizen Head, call in to Mizen Information and e-Mizen Centre in Goleen for Mizen Head Visitor Information, Tourism Information, Free Wifi, Hot Desks, Business Services, Coffee, Gift Shop, Public Restrooms.

Come in for a coffee and a chat! Free Car Parking with play park at the back of the village with a path down past Goleen Play school to Main Street.

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IRELAND’S ONLY MODEL VILLAGE

A fun family day out in Clonakilty at West Cork Model Railway Village ake a trip to the West Cork Model Railway Village for a fun and memorable day out on your visit to Clonakilty and West Cork. Walking into the Model Village you step back in time and see life as it was in the 1940’s. See the old West Cork railway line portrayed in delightful miniature serving the towns.

The models and figurines are handmade at the Model Village to a scale of 1:24.

Explore miniature West Cork!

Model Trains ~ Road Train Tours ~ Remote Control Boats ~ Play Areas

OPEN DAILY

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork www.modelvillage.ie | 023 8833224 | info@modelvillage.ie

BallyCairn House Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation Three top class Causeway Coastal Route accommodation experiences. Tranquil, luxurious Bed & Breakfast at BallyCairn House. Unique selfcatering accommodation in a traditional stone cottage The Barn. Self-catering accommodation in

Three top class Causeway Coastal Route accommodation experiences

BallyCairn Studio.

• Tranquil, luxurious Bed & Breakfast at BallyCairn House

We are located near the picturesque seaside village

• Unique self-catering accommodation in a traditional stone cottage, The Barn

Coastal Route, nestling at the foot of the Antrim

of Ballygally on the World Heritage Causeway

• Self-catering accommodation in BallyCairn Studio

Hills with stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea

We are located near the picturesque seaside village of Ballygally on the World Heritage Causeway Coastal Route, nestling at the foot of the Antrim Hills with stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Scottish Coastline.

and Scottish Coastline.

For more information: www.ballycairnhouse.com 31, Cairncastle Road Ballygally, Larne Co. Antrim Northern Ireland BT40 2RB +44 28 2858 3280 +44 782 520 6485

Welcome to the Stables Townhouse where owners Caroline & Donal Boyd have merged traditional Georgian elegance with contemporary style, to create a boutique townhouse with its own unique and welcoming personality where guests can enjoy that warm & friendly B&B experience.

The Emporium is an exquisite store located in the converted coach houses and can be accessed through the courtyard entrance at the Stables. A visit to the Stables Birr makes a great day out.

Our 5 period style guest rooms with all the original features are in the Georgian town house with high ceiling and large sash windows which look out onto Oxmantown Mall or the courtyard at the Stables Birr.

The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr, Co Offaly, R42 TD21 T: + 353 57 9120263 I E: caroline@thestablesbirr.com I W: www.thestablesbirr.com

Written In The Stars Things are looking up A new edition of the Month-By-Month Guide to the Night Sky from astronomy writers and broadcasters Professor Nigel Henbest and the late Professor Heather Couper has been released (out September 3).

Covering the skies over Ireland and Britain, Philip’s Stargazing 2021 is a practical guide for budding and experienced astronomers.

About the authors Professor Heather Couper was President of the British Astronomical Association, a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. She was awarded the CBE in 2007 for Services to Science. Heather sadly passed away in February 2020, while writing Stargazing 2021.

After researching at Cambridge, Professor Nigel Henbest became consultant to both New Scientist magazine and the Royal Greenwich Observatory. He is a future astronaut with Virgin Galactic.

2020 has shaped up to be a year like no other, so why

in August - September is largely lost in the bright twilight).

not channel your inner star-gazer to look up and

Mercury is low in the dawn twilight at its February - March and

ahead with this practical guide to the most fascinating

July apparitions; it’s best seen before dawn in October - November.

events the solar system has in store for 2021 Maximum elongations of Mercury in 2021 Can you see the planets? We’re amazed when people ask us that question. Some of our cosmic neighbours are the brightest objects in

Date

Seperation

the night sky after the Moon. As they’re so close, you can watch them

January 24

19°east

getting up to their antics from night to night. And planetary debris

March 6

27°west

- leftovers from the birth of the Solar System - can light up our skies

May 17

22°east

as glowing comets and the celestial fireworks of a meteor shower.

July 4 22°west

THE SUN-HUGGERS Mercury and Venus orbit the Sun more closely than our own

September 14

27°east

November 25

18°west

planet, so they never seem to stray far from our local star.

Venus

You can spot them in the west after sunset, or the

Though you’ll catch Venus in the morning sky in January, it lurks

east before dawn, but never all night long.

behind the Sun through to the middle of April. From then till the end of

Through a telescope, Mercury and Venus (technically known

the year, Venus is a permanent fixture of the western dusk twilight in

as the inferior planets) show phases like the Moon - from

the evening sky, as the Evening Star. It reaches its greatest separation

a thin crescent to a full globe - as they orbit the Sun.

from the Sun in October, and maximum brightness on December 7.

Mercury

Maximum elongation of Venus in 2021

The innermost planet appears in the evening sky in January, makes its best appearance in April - May, and then reappears in the

Date

Seperation

dusk sky during last few days of the year (its evening appearance

October 29

47°east

WORLDS BEYOND

when Jupiter moves into Aquarius. Reaching opposition on August 20,

A planet orbiting the Sun beyond the Earth (known in

Jupiter moves back into Capricornus in September, and is visible in the

the jargon as a superior planet) is visible at all times of

evening sky until the end of the year, when it treks into Aquarius again.

night, as we look outwards into the Solar System.

It lies due south at midnight when the Sun, the Earth and

Saturn

the planet are all in line - a time known as opposition.

You’ll find the ringed planet near Jupiter throughout the year.

Around this time the Earth lies nearest to the planet, although the

In January, it disappears into the twilight glow, to re-emerge

date of closest approach (and the planet’s maximum brightness) may

at the end of February in the dawn sky. Saturn is at opposition

differ by a few days because the planets’ orbits are not circular.

on August 2, and you’ll then see it in the evening sky until the close of 2021. It resides in Capricornus all year.

Mars

Uranus

The Red Planet hangs around in the evening sky for most of the year,

Just perceptible to the naked eye, Uranus lies in Aries all

gradually fading as its distance from the Earth increases. Disappearing

year. Up until May, the seventh planet is visible in the

from the evening sky in August, and passing behind the Sun on

evening sky. It emerges from the Sun’s glow in the morning

October 8, Mars reappears in the dawn twilight in November.

sky in July. Uranus is at opposition on November 5.

Neptune

Jupiter

The most distant planet lies in Aquarius throughout the year,

The giant planet starts the year low in the evening sky, sinking into

and is at opposition on September 14. Neptune can be seen

the sunset by the end of January. It reappears in the morning sky at

(though only through binoculars or a telescope) in January and

the end of February, still in Capricornus where it remains until May

February and then from late April until the end of the year.

Where to find Mars Early January Mid-January to mid-February Late February to mid-April Late April to early June Mid-June to early July Mid to late July November to early December Mid-December Late December

Pisces Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Libra Scorpius Ophiuchus

SOLAR ECLIPSES On June 10, anyone who’s in a narrow strip of the Earth’s surface - from north-east Canada via the North Pole to eastern Siberia - will be treated to an annular eclipse of the Sun. Ireland and Britain will experience a partial solar eclipse - from the south-east of England, the Moon covers 19 per cent of the Sun, rising to 35 per cent as viewed from Shetland.

On December 4, a total eclipse of the Sun is visible from West Antarctica and adjacent regions of the Southern Ocean. Nothing is visible from Britain.

LUNAR ECLIPSES A total lunar eclipse on May 26 will be seen from the Pacific Ocean and the countries of the Pacific

Rim, but not from the British Isles.

On November 19, a large partial eclipse of the Moon is visible from the Americas, the Pacific and eastern Asia. As seen from Britain, the eclipse begins as the Moon is setting.

Where the dark central part (the umbra) of the Moon’s shadow reaches the Earth, we are treated to a total solar eclipse. If the shadow doesn’t quite reach the ground, we see an annular eclipse.

People located within the penumbra observe a partial eclipse.

METEOR SHOWERS Shooting stars, or meteors, are tiny specks of interplanetary dust, burning up in the Earth’s atmosphere.

At certain times of year, Earth passes through a stream of debris (usually left by a comet) and we see a meteor shower.

The meteors appear to emanate from a point in the sky known as the radiant. Most showers are known by the constellation in which the radiant lies.

It’s fun and rewarding to hold a meteor party.

Note the location, cloud cover, the time and brightness of each meteor and its direction through the stars – along with any persistent afterglow (train).

Things to Do in Waterford Waterford Crystal Go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the time and work that goes into crystal making on this one-hour tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory. Your guide explains the step-by-step process of crystal making, as you wander the rooms where different techniques are used along the way. Meet a few of the high-end crystal makers, and visit the retail store where you can explore one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.

Waterford’s Medieval Museum and Bishops palace Visit Waterford’s Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace, and discover two top attractions with ease on this combined admission ticket. Follow a guide through Waterford’s Medieval Museum, home to many beautiful pre-Reformation treasures. Explore the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and 15th-century wine vaults, and gain insight into life here those centuries ago. Visit the Bishop’s Palace, the town’s grand 18th-century Georgian residence. Admire treasures including beautiful silverware and elegant glassware, and explore Waterford’s history from 1700 to the 1970s.

Epic tour of the Viking Triangle Step back in time and explore Irish history from the Viking to the Victorian era on this 1-hour Viking Triangle tour in Waterford.

Follow your guide through this ancient Irish city and visit six national monuments including Reginald’s Tower, Greyfriars Friary, Choristers’ Hall, the Mayor’s Wine Vault and the Bishop’s Palace.

Gain insight into Ireland’s colourful past and learn of the invasions, battles and victories which shaped the country we know today.

Admire archaeological treasures from centuries passed and trace Ireland’s architecture through the generations.

Copper Coast Helicopter tour Departing from Waterford Airport, one of the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue bases, you will route out towards the coastline where you take in breath-taking views of the UNESCO Geopark also known as The Copper Coast in County Waterford. Famous for its panoramic seascapes, coves, bays and cliffs you will see all this stunning scenery on your helicopter tour with Adventure 001 Ireland.

Duration: 30 Minute Pleasure Flight, please allow at least up to one hour on site. There may be delays on the day due to weather, air traffic or operational issues.

Our professional ground crew will take photographs of you just before you board your helicopter, these will be printed while you fly and can be purchased afterwards.

Don’t forget to take your camera, so you can you can re-live the experience with friends and family and show off your fantastic photographs.

Waterford Greenway Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay.

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How well do you know Roddy Doyle?

Maybe better than he knows himself, writes Siobhán Breatnach

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bit worried.”

So there you have it. Eight out of 10.

Not bad at all Roddy.

I mean, how well do we ever really know ourselves anyway?

Your turn next. Answers below in green.

What’s the slogan for Bimbo’s Burgers?

CAN YOU BEAT RODDY IN THE RODDY DOYLE QUIZ

In Oh, Play That Thing who does Henry Smart become a manager for in Chicago?

Where in Dublin is Roddy from?

• • • •

Phibsboro Kilbarrack Raheny Baldoyle

For which book did he receive the Man Booker Prize?

• • • •

Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha The Snapper The Van A Star Called Henry

In which fictional town did The Snapper, The Commitments and The Van happen?

• • • •

Carrigtown Rocktown Barrytown Smithtown

True or False: Roddy Doyle has won a Bafta?

• •

True False

Roddy Doyle wrote a book with Roy Keane. What’s it called?

• • • •

Full Time Extra Time The Final Whistle The Second Half

• • • •

• • • •

Truckin’ good!

A chip off the old block Today’s chips today The best catch!

Al Jolson Louis Armstrong Miles Davis John Coltrane

Prompted by his reading of Roddy Doyle books, what two words does Dougal call Ted? • • • •

A big gobshite and a big bollox A bollox and an arsehole An arsehole and a gobshite A dickhead and a bollox

Doyle co-authored a book with David Almond, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Deborah Ellis, Nick Hornby, Margo Lanagan, Gregory Maguire, Ruth Ozeki, Linda Sue Park, and Tim Wynne-Jones. What was it called?

• • • •

Snap Shutterspeed Selfie Click

Doyle’s works have become a popular meme crossover with which franchise?

• • • •

Star Wars The Avengers Star Trek Batman

Answers: Kilbarrack; Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha; Barrytown; True (Best Adapted Screenplay in 1991 for the film version of The Commitments); The Second Half; Today’s chips today; Louis Armstrong; A big gobshite and a big bollox, Click; Star Trek Quiz courtesy of Journal.ie

Hands up who DIDN’T take part in a Zoom quiz during lockdown.

Getting quizzical has been the perfect antidote to staying home in recent months.

But with each week would come a struggle to include the perfect series of questions, an unexpected round or something whacky to throw the previous week’s champion off their game.

A recent story in The New York Times provides the opportunity to do just that the next time you decide the test your family and friends’ general knowledge.

A couple of years ago, in celebration of Roddy Doyle’s 60th birthday, news website Journal.ie ran a quiz to test the nation’s literary prowess and find out just how much people really know about our beloved writer’s life and works.

And thanks to The Times, we now know how well the man himself fared.

Since his first self-published novel The Commitments in 1987, Doyle’s humour and dialogue have become part of a signature style for the author who started out life as a teacher and began writing during the summer holidays.

In the newspaper’s By The Book feature, Doyle talks about such matters as the last great book he read and what’s currently on his nightstand.

(Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Notes From an Apocalypse by Mark O’Connell and Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit in case you’re interested.)

Towards the end of the interview he’s asked: ‘What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?’

To which he replies: “I stare at the question but I don’t really get it. Why would I be embarrassed because I haven’t read a book?

“I’ve read all of my own, so I’ll never get caught out there.

“On my 60th birthday, an Irish newspaper ran a quiz about me. I got eight out of 10. But I wasn’t embarrassed.

I was actually quite pleased - and a tiny

Picture by: By Christoph Rieger - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

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Things to Do in Louth Sonairte At this inspiring, not-for-profit ecology centre, 10km southeast of Drogheda in Laytown, on an 18th-century former farm, you can wander through a walled organic garden, visit a beekeeping museum and take a biodiverse nature trail and river walk that incorporates wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. Recharge at its organic cafe or browse its home and garden shops. It hosts various courses, from home detox workshops to wild-food foraging; food and craft markets regularly set up on Sundays from 11am to 4pm.

Carlingford Oyster Festival Monasterboice Crowing ravens lend an eerie atmosphere to Monasterboice, an intriguing monastic site down a leafy lane in sweeping farmland, which contains a cemetery, two ancient church ruins, one of the finest and tallest round towers in Ireland plus two of the most important high crosses.

Come early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. It’s just off the M1 motorway, about 8km north of Drogheda.

Old Mellifont Abbey

This rollicking four-day event toasts Carlingford’s famous oysters with an oyster treasure hunt, fishing competition, music, food markets and a regatta on Carlingford Lough.

County Museum Dundalk Different floors in this museum are dedicated to the town’s early history and archaeology, and to the Norman period. One floor features the growth of industry in the area, from the 1750s to the 1960s, including the cult classic Heinkel Bubble Car. Other oddities include Oliver Cromwell’s shaving mirror.

In its Anglo-Norman prime, this abbey, 1.5km off the main Drogheda–Collon road (R168), was the Cistercians’ first and most magnificent centre in Ireland. Highly evocative and well worth exploring, the ruins still reflect the site’s former splendour.

Mellifont’s most recognisable building and one of the country’s finest examples of Cistercian architecture is the 13th-century lavabo, the monks’ octagonal washing room.

Glyde Inn VOTED IRELANDS PUB OF THE YEAR IN 2018 and a great family pub Dating from 1770, this wonderful pub anchors Annagassan life.

It has its own beer, Linn Duachaill (named for a local Viking settlement currently being excavated), which is also the name of its excellent restaurant which overlooks the beer garden, Dundalk Bay’s tidal shallows and Mourne Mountains beyond.

St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church Displayed in a glittering brass-and-glass case in the north transept, the shrivelled head of St Oliver Plunkett (1629–81) is this church’s main draw (the rest of the martyr was separated at his hanging in 1681). It’s actually two churches in one: the first was designed by Francis Johnston in a classical style in 1791; the neo-Gothic addition was built in the late 19th century. Opening hours can vary.

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Client editorials Kylemore Abbey

Waterford Crystal

Nestled in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens is 1,000 acres of beauty, history, tranquillity and nature. Visit the new visitor experience; “From Generation to Generation”, walk the woodland and lakeshore paths, embrace the beauty of the 6.5 acre Victorian Walled Garden and surround yourself with the tragedy and romance of the neo-Gothic church. While enjoying your day in Kylemore why not stop into Mitchell’s Café for the best of locally sourced authentic Connemara food, and pick up some of the best national and international clothing and crafts in the Craft & Design Shop.

Enjoy a full day out for all the family! For tickets and information see www.kylemoreabbey.com

A luxury collection of the finest crystal continues to be made by skilled craftsmen at the House of Waterford Crystal factory situated in the heart of Waterford City, in Ireland’s Ancient East.

A significant tourist attraction, the House of Waterford Crystal welcomes 210,000 visitors annually from across the world. The House of Waterford Crystal was recently named as the ‘Best Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism Experience (Large)’ at the ITIC Awards.

Westmeath Tourism

Discover the Irish National Heritage Park

Nestled in the very centre of Ireland, where Ireland’s Ancient East meets Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Westmeath is your ideal staycation. Belvedere House Gardens and Park on the shores of Lough Ennell is a must-visit. The Royal Canal Greenway links majestic lakes with the bustling town of Mullingar. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the River Shannon from atop Athlone Castle and indulge your inner artist at the Luan Gallery, a national and international visual feast for the eyes. Discover the ‘Magic of the Midlands’ this summer!

Find us on www.visitwestmeath.ie or Visit Westmeath on Facebook and Instagram

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Located just outside Wexford Town in the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Irish National Heritage Park is a unique heritage experience in Ireland and Europe that brings to life over 9000 years of Irish history. Take a journey through PreHistoric Ireland, Early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasion across 40. acres of magical woodland, with spectacular views across the River Slaney estuary. hello@irishheritage.ie Tel: 053 9120733

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Chef’s Plate Burren Hot Smoked Salmon with asparagus in a béchamel sauce and Colcannon Birgitta and Peter Curtin from Co. Clare’s The Roadside Tavern know good food and how best to serve it. Located in Lisdoonvarna, their award-winning gastro pub is situated at the gateway to the world-famous Burren.

Ingredients: • •

800 gr hot smoked salmon Fresh green Herbs for decoration - dill, fennel or parsley

Colcannon • 1 lb/ 500 gr floury potatoes • 4 cups shredded leaves of cabbage • 2 tbsp chopped scallions/ spring onion • 2 tbsp butter or margarine • 50 ml/ 1⁄4 cup heated milk

Serves 4 Preparation time: 1 hour

Beetroot Red Velvet Pancakes Beetroots are back in season, so it’s the perfect time to put a healthy spin on an indulgent classic.

Ingredients:

Asparagus in a béchamel sauce • 1kg fresh sparagus • Boil in salted water until soft for 20 - 40min

• • • • • • •

Béchamel Sauce • 1 1⁄2 - 2 tsp butter or margarine • 2 – 3 tsp plain flour • 4 dl liquid (milk, or vegetable stock cube) • Salt and pepper to season

160g cooked beetroot 200g self-raising flour 100ml milk 1 tsp baking powder 50ml squeezy honey 25ml vegetable oil 1 tsp Vanilla Essence

• • • • • •

2 large eggs 200g soft cheese 30g caster sugar juice of 1 lemon 150g pack blueberries Extra vegetable oil, for cooking

Method:

Method:

Chop up the beetroot and put into a food processor along with the milk, vegetable oil, honey, vanilla essence and the eggs, then blitz until smooth.

Boil the peeled potatoes in lightly salted water until tender, drain.

Put the flour and the baking powder into a bowl and whisk well.

Boil the cabbage and onion for about 5 minutes, drain and set aside.

Make a well in the centre of the flour, add in the beetroot mixture and, with a wooden spoon, draw in the flour and mix until you have a smooth batter.

Mash potatoes with milk, butter, salt and pepper, to taste. Add the spring onion and cabbage mixture.

In a frying pan, heat a little oil. Add 4 tablespoons of the batter into the pan, spoon into a circle and fry each side for a few minutes.

To make the sauce, melt butter in a pot and keep on low heat. Carefully blend in the flour and add the liquid of milk or stock.

Transfer to a warm oven to keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest.

Bring to boil while stirring as the flour is swelling and making the sauce thicker. Keep boiling and stirring for 3 minutes. Add the asparagus to the sauce.

To make the cream cheese sauce, gently heat the soft cheese, caster sugar and lemon juice in a pan until smooth and warm.

While the sauce is being made heat the hot smoked salmon in the oven for 5 minutes at 200° C and cut into four servings.

Serve drizzled over the pancakes, topped with the blueberries.

To serve:

Recipe courtesy of Aldi

Start with the Colcannon on the plate. Drizzle with the asparagus and sauce and finally add the hot smoked salmon on the top with a sprig of fresh herbs of your liking for decoration.

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Things to Do in Tipperary A place steeped in sporting heritage In sporting terms, Tipperary’s heritage is without equal. The town of Thurles, complete today with a 53,000-capacity stadium, was in 1884 the birthplace of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ireland’s largest sporting organisation and one of the great amateur sporting associations in the world. The county is particularly associated with the 3,000-year-old game of Hurling, which today still attracts an 80,000 plus attendance and a global TV audience for its national showpiece, the All-Ireland final. With over 70 clubs, in Tipperary, the GAA also promotes Gaelic Football; its most played sport and one Tipperary also excels at, as well as Handball, Rounders, Ladies Football and Camogie (similar to hurling but played only by women). The Association also promotes traditional Irish music, song and dance.

CAHIR CASTLE Cahir’s awesome castle enjoys a river-island site with moat, massive walls, turrets and keep, mullioned windows, vast fireplaces and dungeons. Founded by Conor O’Brien in 1142, and passed to the Butler family in 1375, it’s one of Ireland’s largest castles. In 1599 the Earl of Essex shattered its walls with cannon fire, an event explained with a large model. With a huge set of antlers pinned to its white walls, the Banqueting Hall is an impressive sight; you can also climb the Keep.

A 15-minute audio-visual presentation puts Cahir in context with other Irish castles. The buildings within the castle walls are sparsely furnished, although there are good displays, including an exhibition on ‘Women in Medieval Ireland’. There are frequent guided tours.

THE ROCK OF CASHEL The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites: a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications.

Sturdy walls circle an enclosure containing a complete round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the finest 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland, home to some of the land’s oldest frescoes. It’s a five-minute stroll from the town centre up to the Rock, from where fantastic views range over the Tipperary countryside.

The word ‘cashel’ is an Anglicised version of the Irish word caiseal, meaning ‘fortress’ (related to the English ‘castle’, from the Latin castellum). In the 4th century the Rock of Cashel was chosen as a base by the Eóghanachta clan from Wales, who went on to conquer much of Munster and become kings of the region. For some 400 years it rivalled Tara as a centre of power in Ireland. The vast medieval cathedral was used for worship until the mid-1700s.

Among the graves are a 19th-century high cross and mausoleum for local landowners, the Scully family; the top of the Scully Cross was razed by lightning in 1976.

But the undoubted highlight of the Rock is the early 12th-century Cormac’s Chapel, an exquisite gem of Romanesque architecture with beautifully carved doorways and the precious remains of colourful wall paintings.

Tipperary Racecourse Tipperary Racecourse is one of Ireland’s leading tracks. It’s 3km northwest of Tipperary town and has regular meetings during the year; see the local press for details. The course is within walking distance of Limerick Junction station. On race days there are minibus pick-ups from Tipperary town; phone for details.

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Client editorials GPO Museum

Aillwee Caves Located in the heart of The Burren Region of County Clare.

Perched high on its Burren terraced mountainside with what has to be one of the most spectacular views of Galway Bay, along The Wild Atlantic Way, Aillwee is a place full of wonder, beauty and discovery.

Aillwee is home to Ireland’s Premiere Show Cave, a dramatic Birds of Prey Centre and an artisan Farmshop where you can taste our unique Award-Winning Burren Gold Cheese. Witness underground and over ground marvels at Aillwee and immerse yourself into a true Burren Experience.

Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely Cave tour. The tour consists of a 35-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns.

The Birds of Prey Centre has been educating and entertaining visitors with dynamic flying displays set against the dramatic Burren Landscape, since 2008.

The GPO Museum is a must see award winning experience located within the historic GPO building in the heart of Dublin city. Explore the fascinating story of the1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish History in an interactive and immersive setting. For bookings and further information visit www. gpowitnesshistory.ie

Malahide Castle The magnificent medieval castle with a dramatic 800 year heritage Generations of the Talbot family have called Malahide Castle home. Hear their stories, on a family friendly Magical Castle History tour or take a classic tour and explore the private rooms and learn how this castle played a key role in Irish political and social life in Ireland Guided tours of Malahide Castle run daily from 9.30am. Last tour is at 4:30pm in summer (April-October) and 3.30pm in winter (November-March). Tour tickets include entry to Malahide Gardens, the Fairy Trail and Butterfly House.

The Mulranny Park Hotel The 4* star GN Mulranny Park Hotel is perched on a unique site overlooking Clew Bay & Croagh Patrick Mountain beyond. We are located on the Great Western Greenway in the most scenic section of the route and the perfect cycling and walking holiday base. We are only a few steps away from the sand and sea of the beautiful Mulranny Beach which has been awarded the coveted blue flag and is ideal for family breaks. Uniquely located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this is the ideal base for walking, cycling and as a wedding venue or just a relaxing break and a proven place as one of the best wedding hotels in Ireland.

The magic of the Mulranny Park Hotel is that you don’t even have to leave the grounds to achieve the relaxation you’ve been looking for. Submerge yourself in the 20-metre swimming pool and enjoy the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, plunge pool and fully equipped gymnasium.

GN Mulranny Park Hotel is absolutely delighted to be voted as one of the Top 50 Best places to stay in Ireland for 2019. The Fab 50 is the Irish independent annual list of the best places to stay in Ireland. We are very proud to be listed under the fab four stars and family hotels.

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Airfield Estate Airfield Estate is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm with last admission at 3.30 pm and is easy to get to by foot, bike, car and public transport.

We’ve created a visitor trail which will bring you around the Estate once and should take about 40-60 minutes to walk. The map illustrates the one-way trail which is designed with safety in mind for both staff and visitors. We ask that you enjoy your time by walking the set paths we’ve created and to not dwell in any area to ensure social distancing for groups ahead and behind you.

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN Dundalk, Co. Louth

W

hen he’s not sharing the screen with the likes of Pierce Brosnan

you’ll find actor and playwright Niall McNamee in Dundalk - in fact, he’d be there every Friday for the soccer matches if he could. With a father originally from the town, Leicesterborn McNamee spent his childhood going over and back between the two.

Having spent lockdown in London with singer Imelda May, he’s currently holed up in the English capital where he lives with five best mates, all actors, Edward Bluemel, Jacob Ifan, Tim Preston, Anthony Boyle and Santino Smith.

What’s put your town on the map?

Dundalk FC, Harp Larger, Steve Staunton and The Corrs.

Why should someone visit?

Dundalk is real Ireland. It has unique charm. Friendly and strong people. It’s not visited by loads of tourists. It’s hidden on the border. But we’re proud of our town.

Best place for food?

Again, it’s all about tradition. ROMA, cheap and cheerful. Sentiment.

Wouldn’t be right to not go in.

Best pub?

I massively miss going to Jimmy’s. Vincie who ran it tragically passed away last year and I have to say returning to the town has not been the same without popping in.

Kennedy’s (by the station), Brew Bakers and The Spirit Store are great spots.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Best place to sleep?

The Innisfree has sorted me out a good few times. They don’t forget you especially if you’ve set the fire alarm off in the middle of the night. Can’t say I’ve ever been up early enough for breakfast but I hear it’s unreal!

notion of it but Jinx Lennon (singersongwriter) is a hero of mine. Incredible mind. Incredible songs. I’ve not met Jinx.

I’ll make it my mission to meet him in the future. Can’t go without mentioning David Keenan as well. He’s doing so well. Inspiration and lovely man.

Where can you get the best cup of coffee?

Not a coffee drinker but 23 Seats is a lovely spot.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened?

It’s not without incident our town.

Her location has given many stories so I’ll just give you this... The riots after Dundalk vs Linfield. Way before my time but a huge deal.

Best kept secret?

Up by the border in Faughart, St Brigid’s Shrine. The scenery out there is special.

Favourite independent shop?

Classified Records in Dundalk is a great place for your vinyl. Very cool.

Favourite thing about your town?

The pride. The football. What they’ve achieved is beyond remarkable.

Who should you meet when visiting?

Maxi Taxi. Maxi knows the town better than anyone. Mental stories. If I wrote a series set in Dundalk, you would say the character of Maxi didn’t fit into realism. Always lovely to see him.

Best way to ‘Go Wild’?

Head to Oriel Park on a Friday night, pint in the Lily White lounge or European night. Big win against Rovers or a decent club from Eastern Europe. Head upstairs to celebrate. Late night in Kennedy’s.

What’s the one thing that makes Dundalk stand out?

I’m going to repeat myself but I have to say Dundalk FC. When they’re flying, the town is flying. For a club outside if Dublin to have dominated in so many periods is incredible. It makes Dundalk a soccer-first town in my head.

Best tourist attraction?

There’s loads. But I was blown away by The Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol. They renovated the ‘jail’ into a venue for music and arts and it’s remarkable.

If your town was a sandwich, what would it be?

Hearty white bread. Loads of butter.

Cheddar cheese. And chef sauce. Yum.

Anyone famous live in your town?

I’d say he’d absolutely reject fame or the

Interview: Siobhán Breatnach

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Client editorials The Stables Townhouse Birr

Newbridge House Step back in time in Ireland’s only intact Georgian mansion Visitors to Newbridge House can learn about its illustrious history on a guided tour through three centuries of history in Ireland’s only intact Georgian mansion and estate. Don’t miss the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’; created in 1790 it is one of the few remaining family museums in Ireland and the UK filled to the brim with antiquities and oddities. Explore the new immersive ‘Servants Quarters’ experience now open

Welcome to the Stables Townhouse where owners Caroline & Donal Boyd have merged traditional Georgian elegance with contemporary style, to create a boutique townhouse with its own unique and welcoming personality where guests can enjoy that warm & friendly B&B experience.

A visit to the Stables Birr makes a great day out. https://thestablesbirr.com/

Closed on Mondays from October to March.Guided house tours run at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Tuesday to Sunday in winter.

Tour tickets include entry to Newbridge Farm.

Spike Island Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club Here at the Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club we have the perfect ingredients to create your staycation in Wicklow this Summer.

Located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, just off the N11 and a very short distance from the M50. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, or family break, come to Glenview to explore the great outdoors. With mountains and sea both within 10 minutes drive,we’ve plenty on our doorstep to keep you entertained. Enjoy our beautiful gardens, leisure facilities, and tranquil Woodlands Walk. Enjoy some “me” time in the newly renovated Haven Treatment Rooms. The Glenview Hotel is the perfect location for a relaxing summer break.

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Spike Island in Cork has been home to captains and convicts, rioters and rebels and sinners and saints. The former prison and fortress island is now a premier visitor attraction having been named ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ in 2017. Discover 1300 years of history, see www.spikeislandcork.ie for more info.

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Top things to do on the Causeway Coast Drive the iconic Causeway Coastal Route

Watch the sunset at Dunluce Castle

You need a day or two (or ideally a long weekend!) to really delve deep into the iconic Causeway Coastal Route by car. It takes you through unrivalled scenery and links ancient castles, amazing geological formations, golden beaches and picturesque seaside towns and villages.

When the sun’s rays are low over Dunluce Castle, your iconic holiday snap of the Antrim coastline is literally, on the horizon.

This evocative castle lost its kitchen when it fell into the sea one stormy night.

Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway Catch the beautiful narrow-gauge heritage train on the Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway route and arrive in style at the site of the iconic hexagonal stones. Take in the amazing visitor centre and experience the power of the mighty Finn McCool.

Taste the finest Irish whiskey The smells are lovely and serenade the senses as you take a tour through the still active Old Bushmills Distillery on the banks of the River Bush. It’s an interesting experience and gets you fired up for the fabulous tasting experience at the end. Follow this with lunch, a browse through the lovely gift shop for souvenirs or maybe spoiul yourself with the purchase of a nice single malt with a personalised label.

Get on the Game of Thrones trail As the world of Game of Thrones is never far away, some ‘set jetting’ should be on your County Antrim itinerary. Be sure to visit the mysterious Dark Hedges, the foreboding Cushendun Caves and picturesque Ballintoy Harbour. For gossip and behind-the-scenes tales, talk to the locals or book a tour.

Walk Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Once you dare to walk the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, remember there’s only one way back. Yes, you’ll have to do it again! But it’s so worth it.

Sail away to Rathlin Island Escape to another world via Rathlin Island. Catch the ferry from Ballycastle across the Sea of Moyle. Take a tour of the upside down lighthouse built into a cliff face, and enjoy rustic walks which take you back to nature and one of the largest seabird colonies in the UK.

Go Wild Magazine - Staycation Edition 2020

Explore Carrickfergus Castle You can’t run out of adventure and stories at the impressive Carrickfergus Castle – there’s 800 years of history to absorb in what is one of the most important and best documented medieval castles in the whole of Ireland.

Get lost in the Glens of Antrim Escaping to the Glens of Antrim brings nine opportunities to get lost amid unspoilt, picture-perfect landscapes.

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TAKE THE

SCENIC

ROUTE Greencastle - Greenore CO. DOWN

CO. LOUTH

Located midway between DUBLIN and BELFAST For sailing times or to book online, visit

carlingfordferry.com

See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal manufactured before your eyes Guided Factory Tours Daily

C: +353 (0) 51 317000 E: houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com W: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com