Enterprise Spring 2016 Vol 13 No 1

YOUR GUIDE TO | RESTAURANTS | HOTELS | ATTRACTIONS | SPORT | MUSIC

volume 13:01

LINKING DUBLIN AND BELFAST

stepping up to

THE PLATE Northern Ireland’s Big Food Year

report

STUART CL ARK

MICHAEL

O’NEILL

GOING INTO THE EURO ZONE

SHARON

HORGAN

S H E ’ S H AV I N G A L A U G H

LENNY

ABRAHAMSON R O O M AT T H E T O P

ZOOLANDER 2 • AIDAN GILLEN •

• SPOTLIGHT ON DROGHEDA

ENTERPRISE – V O L . 1 3 / N O . 0 1 / 2 0 1 6

CONTENTS V O L U M E

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06 ENTER HERE!

A rundown of what's hot and happening at your next stop.

12 RAIL NEWS

Up to the minute news from Irish Rail and Translink.

F E A T U R E S

14 CHOMPIONS OF THE WORLD Northern Ireland is experiencing a dining renaissance. We talk to some of the key players and Sample their award-winning wares.

30 FOOD AWAKENING We report on the gastronomic renaissance sweeping Northern Ireland.

3 8 T R AV E L 20 COMEDY QUEEN

The top locations to visit in 2016.

Up-and-coming comedy powerhouse Sharon Horgan on the success of Catastrophe and working with Sarah Jessica Parker on her new series.

4 2 I N FAS H I O N

34 BOYNE TO BE WILD

44 REVIEWS

Why Drogheda is now a must visit for travellers from Dublin and Belfast alike.

24 ZOO ROMANCE Ben Stiller talks about bringing back comedy icon Derek Zoolander

Bringing you the hot new looks for spring and summer.

Saoirse Ronan charms in Brooklyn, Rihanna burns it up with Anti. Plus other essential movies, albums and books.

4 8 AT T R A C T I O N S

Places to visit and things to do in the weeks ahead.

Cover photo: Elaine Hill.

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ENTERPRISE – EDITOR’S LETTER E LAI NE HI LL

CREDITS

Ox Restaurant in Belfast

EDITOR: Máirín Sheehy COMMISSIONING EDITOR: Roisin Dwyer CONTRIBUTORS: Stuart Clark, Roisin Dwyer, Craig Fitzpatrick, Roe McDermott, Peter McNally, Colm O'Regan, Olaf Tyaransen DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Hot Press 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2 ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: David Keane GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER: Trish Murphy ADVERTISING MANAGER: Damien Doran

PUBLISHER: Niall Stokes ENTERPRISE IS PUBLISHED F O R N I R A I LWAY S A N D IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY: Osnovina Ltd 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2 TELEPHONE: +353 1 2411 500 EMAIL: enterprise@hotpress.ie LETTERS: The Editor, Enterprise Magazine, 13 Trinity St, Dublin 2 PRINTED BY: Boylan’s Print

While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the publishers cannot accept any responsibilities for errors. The views contained in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of N I Railways and Iarnród Eireann.

All material © Osnovina 2015. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of material without permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited

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L O N G

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FOOD REVOLUTION There is a food revolution taking place all over Ireland. And the good news is that it has arrived in Northern Ireland – and in particular Belfast – in real style.

The starting point is that great food is all about the ingredients. And in this regard, Ireland has a huge advantage. We are a small island on the periphery of Europe. And as a result, we are less exposed to the pollution and the chemicals which are part of the much more industrialised European mainland.

Indeed, even our near neighbour, Britain, is a far more densely industrialised place than the island of Ireland.

For a long time, food producers here seemed to be unaware of the competitive advantage which our cleaner environment offered. However, over the past 15 years, there has been a huge increase in the emphasis on quality produce and organic food.

Ireland is naturally green. We just need to take proper advantage of it – and then let the world know.

Farmers and craft producers have been getting their act together. All over the country artisan food producers have been doing their thing with impressive vim – and increasingly they are being met with the success that their endeavours deserve.

The excellent food we are now growing, processing and manufacturing – meats, cheeses, fresh and smoked fish, organic vegetables and fruit and wonderful chocolate, to take just a few examples – is being delivered to the better shops and restaurants in our capital cities –ensuring that what is served up on plates in the finer eating establishments gets better and better.

Nowhere is this more true than in Belfast. For

a long time, Dublin has been competing with the very best food cities in the world. Chefs like Kevin Thornton (Thornton’s), Derry Clark (L’Ecrivain), Mickael Viljanen (Green House) and John and Sandy Wyer (Forest Avenue) have set the standards – and there’s a host of exciting new places coming on the scene every year, with young guns who are determined to make their mark.

Now that dominance of Irish food is being challenged by Belfast. True, the city is a good deal smaller and the habit of going out to eat is not as deeply entrenched in the culture. But all of that is changing. Belfast itself is becoming more cosmopolitan. And the food is changing to match.

The Michelin star people have recognised as much, with the awarding of that accolade to Ox Restaurant, which is getting rave reviews in all the right places.

But they are far from alone, in terms of quality.

Places like Deane’s, James Street South, the Mourne Seafood Bar, The Barking Dog, Shu and Love & Death Inc are all up there among the best places not just in Northern Ireland, but on the island as a whole.

Indeed, from everything that has been said about it, the same is true – only moreso – of the widely praised Harry’s Shack in Portstewart. Which reminds me: a trip to the very north of the country is long overdue. We’ll see you in Portstewart very soon. Make sure to keep us a table, won’t you!

_MAIRINSHEEHY | EDITOR

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by Peter McNally The Boss wants to see you: Bruce

The Hero's

RETURN! Bruce is back!

Croke Park.

May 27 & 29.

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The Boss is back! 160,000 lucky punters will get to see the New Jersey legend celebrate one of his most beloved albums in its entirety this summer when he and the E Street Band rock up to Dublin's Croke Park for the very first time (May 27 & 29). Acclaimed for his ecstatic three–hour (and more!) rock and roll revivals, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will, on this special occasion, dedicate half that time to a run through of their epic two-disc masterwork from 1980, The River.

Translink is offering coach and rail specials for both dates.

ENTER|HERE

LAST CHANCE SALOON Ireland’s 2016 Six Nations campaign didn’t see the boys in green make the strongest of starts, as Grand Slams and Triple Crowns have quickly disappeared out of reach. Add to this a crushing defeat against England at Twickenham and it looks like the Irish will be lucky to finish mid-table in this year’s tournament. The last match of the campaign will see Joe Schmidt’s boys line out against a Scottish team that have so far not shown the form that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals by one point, after Australia’s Bernard Foley kicked a last-gasp penalty to break Tartan hearts. Fans and commentators have been looking for a more creative approach from Schmidt's charges and. with signs of a shift towards a more imaginative style in evidence against England, hopes will be high for further development in this regard.

Translink are offering coach and rail specials for all home RBS Six Nations ties. photo : brian connolly

GET IN THE RING WWE LIVE – SSE Arena/3Arena, April 20/April 21 Fans of body-slamming, high-flying action will welcome the return of the WWE to Dublin’s 3Arena (21) and Belfast’s SSE Arena (20) this April.

Bursting with all the drama and energy of a rock concert WWE Live: Wrestlemania Revenge promises the ultimate in family entertainment.

Combining in-ring match action with dramatic storylines, this year’s event includes everything from street fights to triple-threat tag-team matches.

Superstars such as The Dudley Boyz, Roman Reigns, Demon Kane, The Wyatt Family, and Ireland’s own Sheamus will be on hand to put their bodies on the line for the Irish fans in what promises to be a spectacle of non-stop entertainment.

Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill

Casual Dining At It’s Finest 041 9802570

Brown Hound Bakery good baked goods 041 9833792

Drogheda | Co Louth | www.glasgow-diaz.com facebook | twitter @eseaboard | instagram 07

cartoon network

ENTER|HERE Toon army: Adventure Time

Race theBelfast Belfastbeer Marathon Northodyssey: Cider: The and cider festival returns

COOL RUNNINGS DESIGN FOR LIVING OFFSET DUBLIN 2016 – BGET, April 8–10 The annual OFFSET festival attracts the world’s foremost designers and creatives to Dublin each year for discussion and presentations. This year’s festival will take place over three days (April 8–10) at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, with an expected attendance of over 2,500. Guests include the design team of Steve Averill and Shaughn McGrath, alias AMP Visual, the brain trust behind much of U2’s visual identity; Andy Ristaino, the lead character designer for Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, and Russell Mills, the multimedia artist responsible for every Nine Inch Nails album cover.

IRELAND V SWITZERLAND (SOCCER INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY) – Aviva, March 26 In the first of three international friendlies leading up to this summer’s UEFA European Championships, Ireland will face Switzerland at the Aviva on March 26. Support for the O’Neill/Keane-led team is at an all-time high following a drawnout and dogged, yet at times spectacular, road to qualification that included a historic victory over world champions Germany on home soil and a final play-off victory over two legs against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

So, Ireland’s first fixture of 2016 might be something of a celebration as we build up to this summer’s festivities.

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Managing just fine: Roy Keane and Martin O'Neill

graham keogh

FRIENDLY FIRE

2016 DEEP RIVER ROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON – ­ May 2 The beautiful tree-lined Ormeau Park will be the finishing point of this year’s Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon on May 2. The event is in its 35th year and on track to better previous runnings, with over 17,000 competitors expected to take part. The marathon will once again showcase the best of Belfast as the route winds its way past Belfast City Hall, Albert Clock, The Titanic Quarter, Victoria Park and the murals of the Falls Road.

Runners will compete on behalf of Mencap, the UK’s leading learning disability charity. Deep River Rock has been announced as the title sponsor for the event, in conjunction with Belfast City Council, U105, ASICS, Daily Mirror, Translink, Athletics Northern Ireland, Linwoods, Belfast Live, Centra, White’s Oats, Podium 4 Sport, U105 and Tayto. Online entry is available at belfastcityhalfmarathon.com until Sunday 15th April 2016.

ENTER|HERE

WHO LET THE DROGS OUT?

Wee will rock you: Drogheda Arts Festival

Now in its twelfth year, Drogheda Arts Festival brings an array of Irish and international artists to the historic and storied town on the banks of the Boyne. Our dedicated arts venues are joined by some of the region’s most important historic buildings in hosting exhibitions, concerts, readings, and performances.

From the 12th century Millmount complex to the 1770-built Tholsel, and from Beaulieu House of 1666 to the baroque interior of St. Peter’s church, audiences enjoy inspirational work in the most atmospheric of venues. This year will see a world premiere of The Big Fella from acclaimed playwright Declan Gorman, a public interview concerning social change in the arts in Ireland, with Lian Bell #wakingthefeminists, special DJ Set by David Holmes (pictured), contemporary music with Kaleidoscope Nights in a former Franciscan church, and a new work, Cumann, by artist-in-residence Michael McLoughlin.

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ENTER|HERE

Guy Garvey

RACE NIGHT

Set against the backdrop of some of Belfast’s oldest and most beautiful streets and buildings, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival will have the city buzzing when it returns for its 17th outing from April 28-May 8. Always an exciting and eclectic event, this year’s programme includes Soft Cell legend Marc Almond, Elbow main man Guy Garvey, Grandmaster Flash, and The Bard of Salford himself, John Cooper Clarke. Elsewhere, there’s Undertones bassist Michael Bradley in conversation at the Oh Yeah Music Centre; ground-breaking Japanese pop-punk trio Shonen Knife at the Black Box; and appearances from festival favourites Gavin James and Ciaran Lavery, plus a host of other great comedy and music performances.

‘Light Up Your Night’ and experience the thrill and excitement of live horse and greyhound racing year round at Ireland’s first all weather floodlit racing venue, Dundalk Stadium. Perfect for social and business functions, and amenable to all kinds of unique events the 147-acre, state of the art facility includes a top class elite dining facility, four bars and a fast food outlet.

From the luxurious Champion’s Restaurant, with stunning panoramic views of the race circuit, the trendy and modern Sprinter’s Bar, to any of the four private suites – Dundalk Stadium is perfect for functions of all types and sizes. Corporate guests will find the Stadium a comfortable and entertaining venue in which to talk business, and it is also a perfect venue for club fundraisers, providing a platform to generate substantial funds while offering a great night out for all, on the date of your choice.

This year Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the popular 12th July Dual Race Day and Ladies Day 2016 at Dundalk Stadium. At this event one lucky lady will walk away with a stylish Marshes experience worth €5,000.

You can check out all of the upcoming fixtures at dundalkstadium.com.

Hospitality prices start from €17pp to include admission.

ON YOUR BIKES

HORSE STORIES

INTERNATIONAL NORTH WEST 200 – Portstewart, Antrim May 10–14 Renowned as the largest annual sporting event in Ireland, The International North West 200 is a street circuit motorcycle race that regularly attracts 150,000 spectators to line the public roads between Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush. The high speed thrills and roaring engines are offset by the spectacular natural beauty of the surroundings if the Causeway Coast. And, in addition to the adrenaline rush of the main race days, Thusday May 12 & Saturday May 14, there are a range of other activities including a Vintage and Classic Bike run, a Vintage and Classic Car run, an amazing fireworks display, a Meet the Riders event, Paddock Walkabouts, live music in the hospitality marquee and a free Outdoor Concert.

BALMORAL SHOW 2016 – Balmoral Park, May 11–13 Bound to be one of the biggest highlights of the Year of Food and Drink, The Balmoral Show has long been northern Ireland’s agricultural and equestrian event, drawing huge crowds annually to the Balmoral Showgrounds. Organisers are promising that the event’s 148th outing will be its largest and most important to date, with a full three days packed with family entertainment. Visitors can expect national and international show-jumping, showing classes for horses; cattle, sheep, pig and poultry shows and a trade show of agricultural machinery. In addition, there will be plenty of sideshows and entertainment to keep the young ‘uns amused for hours.

QUARTER BACK

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ENTER|HERE

ALL WRITE ON THE NIGHT VEGGIE WONDERLAND IRISH VEGAN FESTIVAL - Ulster Hall, Belfast April 9 Ulster Hall welcomes the Irish Vegan Festival to Belfast for the first time.

There will be plenty of entertainment, including live music, children’s entertainment and film screenings, in addition to the many stalls of hot food, sweets, chocolates, and cosmetics. Limited VIP tickets are available for £10 which will grant early admission, access to special offers and come with a goodie bag packed with delights. The Irish Vegan Festival is organised by and benefits Farplace Animal Rescue. All profits go to animal rescue projects.

As part of the 1916 Centenary Programme, and coinciding with this year’s Two Cities One Book Festival, Hot Press and Dublin City Libraries, in association with Libraries NI and with the support of the Ireland 2016 office, are planning a major all-Ireland writing competition. Write Here, Write Now: A Story Of Ireland will aim to uncover the best new young writing talent in the country, while also drawing the attention of people all over Ireland to the book being celebrated at this year’s Two Cities One Book Festival, Fallen by Lia Mills. To mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising, Dublin and Belfast will this year partner for a programme of events that will provide opportunities to engage with the book and its themes in a range of contexts. Write Here, Write Now: A Story Of Ireland is open to second and third level students and the closing date for entries is April 8, 2016. For more information visit hotpress.com/writeherewritenow.

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TR A I N| NEW S

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LIVES BEHIND THE NAMES – PORTRAITS OF 1916 I N 1 9 6 6 , T H E I R I S H G OV E R N M E N T R E N A M E D F I F T E E N STAT I O N S O N T H E R AI L N ET WORK A F T E R TH E E X E C U TE D LE ADE RS O F 1 9 1 6 TO MA RK T HE 5 0 T H AN N I VERS A RY OF T HE R I S I NG. A further fifty years on, and to mark the centenary of the Rising, Iarnród Éireann has partnered with the Royal Irish Academy to enable daily commuters, tourists and visitors to learn more about the people whose names are celebrated in these stations.

portrait of the leader by artist David Rooney and information about their lives, taken from the Royal Irish Academy’s “1916 - Portraits and Lives” publication. A QR code is included in each display so that customers can download the chapter of the book about that person for free.

Sixteen display panels are on display at Dublin’s Pearse Station, each of which will also go on display at the station named after each leader around the network (Pearse Station was named after both Padraig and William Pearse).

The displays feature a specially commissioned

Iarnród Éireann also announced details of its other commemoration projects at the event, including: • plans to bring the stories of the lives of all 42 major figures featured in the RIA’s “1916 - Portraits and Lives” publication to tens of thousands of daily commuters on the DART,

with advertisement panels in the majority of the DART fleet. This will include people involved in the Rising in all roles, including British soldiers, civil servants and other Rising leaders • Iarnród Éireann will also be running a network wide commemoration programme with an event to remember the life of each of the sixteen leaders planned for each station between April and July 2016 • a collaboration with the Irish Railway Records Society detailing the role of the railway in the events surrounding the 1916 Rising, planned for Heuston Station later this Spring.

Make sure you take the time to see the displays for yourself, at each station, or in Pearse Station at the Trinity entrance. More information is available online at 1916.ria.ie

LONG TRAIN RUNNING FR EI GHT T RA IN L EN GTH E NI NG B E I NG TR I ALL ED

Iarnród Éireann Freight has commenced trials of longer freight trains designed to boost the competitiveness of rail freight to industry.

The trials if successful would see the maximum freight train size on the network increase from 18 wagons to 27 wagons, increasing the capacity and competitiveness of rail freight services. The environmental benefits of rail freight would also be enhanced – currently moving freight by rail instead of road reduces emissions up to 75% per unit, and longer trains could see emissions reduced to as little as one-tenth of the road equivalent.

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Iarnród Éireann is also working with existing customers as well as Freight Forwarders, Ports and the Irish Exporters Association to identify opportunities and trends for rail freight development within the Irish and European market.

Major rail freight traffics currently include: • Container traffic from Ballina to Waterford and Dublin Ports • Pulpwood from Ballina and Westport to Waterford Port • Zinc ore from Tara Mines in Navan to Dublin Port

TRAIN|NEWS

TRAVEL IN STYLE ON REFURBISHED ENTERPRISE TRAINS

SOUL TRAIN

O U R N E W LY R E F U R B I S H E D T R A I N S M A K E T R AV E L L I N G O N E N T E R P R I S E SERVI C ES M ORE COMFO RTAB LE TH AN E VE R . J O URNE YS FO R SHO RT BRE A KS OR SP E CIA L EV E N TS AR E M O R E R E LAX I NG O N-B OARD A N E NT E RPRI SE T RA I N, SO R ELA X A N D STA RT YO U R B R E AK AS S O O N AS YO U BOA RD.

The emphasis on Enterprise services is comfort, service and value. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the comfortable new interiors, improved passenger features and new Enterprise Menu.

Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, Enterprise is the smart move for hassle-free journeys, letting you catch up on work, relax or browse the internet taking advantage of free Wi-Fi and power sockets now installed in every carriage.

Travelling by Enterprise is not just about reaching

your destination, it’s about the unique journey experience. We want to offer our customers a relaxing way to escape to Dublin, avoiding the hassle of traffic congestion and car parking.

Leisure travellers to Dublin are encouraged to pre-book a web fare via the Translink website from only £10 day return* and regular business travellers can save up to 38% by pre-purchasing books of Carnet tickets for either Enterprise Class or Enterprise Plus. *£10 day return fare is available on selected departures. Terms and conditions apply.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR SPECIAL TRAINS FOR DUBLIN SPORTING EVENTS AND CONCERTS, INCLUDING:

RBS 6 Nations Ireland v Scotland: Sat 19 March (KO 17:00) Aviva Stadium, Dublin Two departures each way – stopping at Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown and Newry Return fare depends on boarding station (Adult £22 - £30 / Child £11 - £15)* * Price includes return DART connection between Connolly Station and Lansdowne Road.

2016 DEEP RIVERROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON On Bank Holiday Monday 2 May, Belfast will host the 35th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon in partnership with Translink. The official Sponsor Charity for the 2016 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is Mencap.

Over 17,500 runners are expected to hit the streets of Belfast to compete in either the Marathon Run, Wheelchair Race, 8 Mile Walk, Fun Run or Team Relay. With the mix of events, there is a distance to suit everyone’s ability.

Translink are the official transport partner of the event, ensuring that all relay participants arrive at their changeover points in time as well as shuttling

all spectators to the Finish Line from the City Centre for FREE. Deadline for entries is 15 April – entries after 10 April will be subject to a £20 surcharge. Don’t miss out on your opportunity and register now at www.belfastcitymarathon.com Don’t worry if the full Marathon is not for you – why not try the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday 18 September. With a fast, flat and beautiful route you’ll not be disappointed with your day – entries are now open for this event at www. belfastcitymarathon.com Now there is even more reason to get involved.

Good Luck!

Concerts Bruce Springsteen: Fri 27 May and Sunday 29th May (Croke Park, Dublin)** Beyonce: Sat 9 July (Croke Park, Dublin)** Return fare: £35 Adult £17.50 Child **Outward journey on-board scheduled Enterprise services, returning on-board a Rail Special to Belfast departing Dublin Connolly at 23:55 (also stops at Lurgan Rail Station).

Check out our latest rail and bus specials and book online: www.translink.co.uk/ Special-Offers

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EAT C O V E R

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THE AWARD-WINNING TEAM BEHIND OX TELL ENTERPRISE WHY BELFAST IS SUCH A BRILLIANT FOOD CITY. PLUS, WE PREVIEW A YEAR OF CULINARY CELEBRATIONS. W O R D S

S T U A R T

C L A R K

“W

hat was striking in Belfast was the palpable sense that everyone wants it to be good. And it is!”

The Guardian and Observer food critic Jay Rayner couldn’t have been any more gushing after recently power dining his way through the menus at the Mourne Seafood Bar, Coppi and OX; three very fine examples of why eating out in Belfast has become such a joy.

The praise was much appreciated, but nothing new for OX co-owners Stephen Toman and Alain Kerloc’h who last year had to find room on their mantlepiece for no fewer than eight awards, including a Best Menu gong from the The Cateys, the foodie equivalent of the BAFTAs, which were doled out in London’s mega-posh Grosvenor Hotel.

“The other winners included the legendary French chef, Daniel Boulud, and Nico Ladenis who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, so we were in very good company,” chef Stephen Toman reminisces fondly. “To be recognised by our peers and colleagues in the industry is validation not only of OX, but also the brilliant producers and suppliers we have in Northern Ireland and the Republic.”

Currently starring on the OX menu are Bellingham Blue cheese, which is made with much love on their County Louth farm by Anita and Peter Thomas; Mourne Lamb and venison from Finnebrogue Estate, the artisan Downpatrick producers whose other admirers include local food hero Paul Rankin, Rick Stein, Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.

Stephen and Alain have also assembled a Gin List that includes such delights as Bertha’s

O X

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Revenge from Ballyvolane in County Cork and Shortcross, a small-batch spirit of extraordinary character from Crossgar in County Down.

“It really is remarkable how many world class products we have on our doorstep,” resumes Stephen who recommends a visit to a near neighbour of OX’s, St. George’s Market. “It takes place every weekend in this amazing building which dates back to the 1890s, and has 40 or 50 food stalls selling everything from cakes to curries. There’s even a guy there from the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh, Peter O’Hagan, who’s imported all his cattle and is producing Japanese-style Wagyu beef.”

St. George’s Market is one of the stop-offs on the Belfast Food Tour, a nibblesome four-hour stroll through the city-centre, which allows you to taste over 20 foods and drinks from Northern Ireland. Find out more at belfastfoodtour.com.

“We get a lot of people in OX who’ve flown over for a foodie weekend,” Stephen enthuses.

“They’ve read in guidebooks or heard from friends that we’ve brilliant restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, delis, markets... all the things you need to be a truly great food city.”

Asked what drew them to their Oxford Street premises, front-of-house man Alain Kerloc’h smiles and says, “The view you have through the windows of the Beacon of Hope, AKA Nuala with the Hula and the Harland & Wolff cranes, Samson and Goliath, which are so iconic. There are no pictures on the wall because the art is outside!”

The keyword at OX is seasonality, with the à la carte, lunch and celebrated tasting menus changing on a regular basis.

“We like to keep things interesting for both ourselves and our customers, many of whom are regulars that come once a month to see

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NORTHERN IRELAND YEAR OF FOOD & DRINK 2016

Wagyu beef from Armagh, inside OX and Pokertree's finest Tyrone Red Earl Ruby Ale

what we’re up to,” Stephen observes. “It’s all about progressing and evolving rather than standing still. Another big thing is that both Alain and myself are at every service. I designed the kitchen so that I can see every plate of food that goes out. We’ve also kept things very accessible in terms of pricing. Neither of us want OX to be elitist, which is why you can get two courses at lunchtime for £18 and a bottle of wine for around the same price. We’ve also opened the OX Cave next-door for people who want to come in and enjoy a nice glass of wine with some cheeses and charcuterie.”

There was much celebrating down Oxford Street way on September 16, 2015 when OX got a Michelin star to go with their Catey Award. With Deane’s EIPIC also making it into that most gilded of culinary guides, it was a real red letter day for the Belfast restaurant scene.

“Five or ten years ago you had to play it a bit safe in terms of what you put on the menu, but now I think it a case of ‘anything goes as long as it’s good’,” Stephen proffers. “You’ve new restaurants opening on an almost weekly basis, and customers who’ve travelled a lot and really know their food and drink. It’s the perfect climate for creativity. You never know who or what’s going to pop up next.”

Recent startups that have really hit the spot include the Canteen Kitchen Café, an intimate Belmont Road eatery, which does a killer Boathouse Seafood Chowder; the James Street South Group’s new Titanic Quarter offering, Cast And Crew, which scores extra points for offering an All-Day Brunch; Holohan’s Irish Pantry on University Road, which has a granny’s parlour feel and boxty on the menu, and Barking Dog on the Malone Road whose signature Beef Shin Burger blows the fast food competition out of the water.

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The brewing and distilling traditions Stephen spoke of earlier will be showcased in April as part of Northern Ireland Year Of Food & Drink 2016, a series of themed months that kicked off in January with a celebration of the Ulster Fry, and won’t let up until December when Christmas and Premium Foods will be in the spotlight.

At last count Northern Ireland has 24 craft breweries, most of whom have their wares stocked by Bittles, a triangular 19th century gem of a bar residing at 70 Upper Church Lane.

They range from the grandpappy of Ulster craft beer, Hilden Brewing, to young upstarts like east Belfast’s Boundary Brewing; Heron Road micro Hercules Brewing whose Yardman Lager tastes of more, and Farmageddon, a co-op comprising of seven friends who met through the city’s punk rock and martial arts scenes. As you do! Operating out of a small farm in Comber, County Down, their Gold Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, India Export Porter and regular seasonals are all spectacular. Also keep your eyes/tastebuds peeled for anything adorned with the Ards Brewing, Pokertree, Walled City, Whitewater, Red Hand, Sheelin, Clearsky, Northbound, Lacada, Clanconnel, Inishmacsaint, Hillstown, Clouhmore, Glens Of Antrim, Station Works, Barrahooley, Knockout, When We Were Giants, Bullhouse, Black Mountain and Mourne Brewing logos.

“I honestly think that people can eat and drink as well here as they can in Rome or Paris,” Stephen Toman concludes. “Northern Ireland has a very vibrant food culture, which will continue to grow. We’ve some interesting years ahead.”

OX 1 Oxford Street, Belfast BT1 3LA Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 4121. oxbelfast.com

MARCH: Heritage & Traditions APRIL: Brewing & Distilling MAY: Landscape & Places JUNE: Love Dairy JULY: Seas, Rivers & Loughs AUGUST: Love NI Meat SEPTEMBER: Bread & Baking OCTOBER: Harvest NOVEMBER: Legacy & Learn To DECEMBER: Christmas & Premium Foods

MAKING A SHOW OF T H E M S E LV E S The Waterfront Hall is the venue from October 14-16 as the BBC Good Food Show hits Belfast.

James Martin, The Hairy Bikers, Paul Hollywood, John Torode and Paul Rankin are among the celebrity chefs confirmed so far.

Tickets can be booked at bbcgoodfoodshownorthernireland.com

OX RECIPE HALIBUT CURRY | ROMANESCO | BERGAMOT | OYSTER LEAF

MAIN INGREDIENTS - 4oz piece of halibut (skin on) - 1 head of romanesco (cut in to small florets) - 3 oyster leafs

SAUCE - Halibut bones (1lb) - ½ cup of vin jaune - 2l filtered water - 300ml cream - salt - lemon - 1oz butter

TECHNIQUE FISH -

- - - - - -

cover bones in water and bring to a simmer (30-40 minutes) pass of liquid and reduce to a ¼ add wine and return to a boil add cream and reduce by ½ season with salt and lemon juice add butter keep hot

BERGAMOT OIL

200ml of rapeseed oil Bergamot rind (1-2 bergamot) -

-

Heat rapeseed oil to 80°C in a pan over a gentle heat, add rind, remove from heat, cover with cling film and allow to infuse for 30 minutes Pass oil into squeeze bottle

TO SERVE CURRY

50g butter 1 bulb fennel ½ of a medium onion 1 heaped tablespoon good quality curry powder Zest of one unwaxed lemon 200ml water - Finely slice fennel and onion, melt butter in pan on medium heat, add fennel and onion to the pan and sweat off until soft, add curry powder, stir for a few minutes on the heat to release aroma of powder. Add water, bring to the boil, stir in lemon zest, simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and puree in blender, add salt to taste. Keep in warm place until needed.

- Cook romanesco in salted, boiling water until tender (3-4 minutes) - Cook fish in hot pan, skin side down - turn over and finish in hot oven (160°C) for 3-4 minutes - rest in warm place for 3-4 minutes - peel of skin and sprinkle with salt - place on hot plate - spoon curry on to plate - garnish with hot romanesco and oyster leaf - drizzle with bergamot oil - foam sauce using hand blender and spoon on to fish - SERVE

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THE RIGHT DIRECTION L E N N Y

A B R A H A M S O N

T

imes they are a-changing. Once upon a time, I would happily bump into director Lenny Abrahamson wandering around Dublin city and have the chats, but now that he’s become the critically acclaimed director of internationally successful films like What Richard Did, Frank and Room, he’s much harder to get a hold of. So much so that upon discovering he was staying in the absurdly swanky hotel where I was interviewing another actor, we couldn’t even co-ordinate a cup of tea amidst his hectic schedule of screenings, press interviews and having people generally fawn over him. Lenny Abrahamson has officially “made it” in Hollywood.

We finally connect just before his latest film Room, based on Emma Donoghue’s novel, receives four Oscar nominations. It’s an exciting but intense time for the director, who admits that while the attention and acclaim is lovely, he misses having “absolutely nothing to do, which I think is the most creative space to be in.”

Not that he’s lacking for projects or inspiration. Currently on his jam-packed slate is an adaptation of Sarah Waters’ ghostly novel The Little Stranger “which is really about class and class resentment dressed up as a poltergeist story.” Then he’s developing a story about Emile Griffith, who “was amazing. He was a black gay boxer in the 1950s and '60s in New York, and killed an opponent who taunted him about being gay. It’s absolutely extraordinary, it’s at that amazing nexus of race and sexuality and politics, because it was during the Cuban missile crisis which plays a big part in it. I’m co-writing the story, based on a biography by Donald McRae which is really good. And then I’m working on an American Civil War story too so there’s lots going on - but I really want to write something low-key based in Ireland. Just finding the time to do that will be hard, it’s been a crazy couple of months.”

Though he probably should have predicted the craziness. Room is an utterly stunning adaptation of a truly remarkable story, with a premise that demands attention. Very loosely inspired by the Josef Fritzl case, Donoghue’s book (and screenplay) tells the story of five-year-old Jack and his Ma, who was kidnapped as a teen and has been held captive in a 10x10 shed for seven years. Told from the perspective of Jack, the book was a simultaneously heart-wrenching and terrifying tale of the relationship between this boy and his mother in the most unimaginable circumstances. Thrilling, emotive and deeply moving, it’s a cinematic triumph, and one Abrahamson knew he had to make after reading just the opening pages of Donoghue’s novel.

“It was a total experience for me both as a

HE’S COME IN FOR INCREASING ACCLAIM AND IS WELL ON THE WAY TO CONQUERING HOLLYWOOD, BUT DIRECTOR LENNY ABRAHAMSON WON’T BE DESERTING IRELAND ANY TIME SOON. HE CATCHES UP WITH ROE McDERMOTT TO SHOOT THE BREEZE AND DISCUSS HIS OSCARWINNING FEATURE, ROOM.

reader and a filmmaker. I knew the book was about a mother and son being trapped in a room, having been abducted, but I didn’t know it was from the kid’s point of view. Once I sussed that out, I had two parallel experiences, one of which was the reader’s experience, and then the parents’ experience, which is so intense. My little boy Max was coming up to being four at the time, so I could just see him in the story, and that strange and gorgeous little optimism that he has, and that openness and vulnerability, and their unawareness of how fragile it all is. That chimed with me. But I could also see it as a film, see them in the room and imagine how it would feel. I could imagine how it would be true to the miserable confining feel of the space, but also beautiful, which was the key.”

His vision aligned perfectly with Donoghue’s, and she agreed to write the screenplay for his adaptation. So began one of the director’s most testing challenges to date, as he was confronted with bringing a hugely beloved and bestselling novel to the screen under intense scrutiny. But he also had to find and then work with his lead child actor, Jacob Tremblay, upon which the entire success of the film rests.

“Directing him is the most intense thing. I’d be always on my knees beside the camera, always talking him through things, parroting lines, and

running really long takes where we’d run the scene five or six times within a take – because you lose a kid’s attention when you stop. But then it was amazing to see Jake turn into a real actor, learning these acting muscles he had and just running with it. It was like teaching your child to ride a bike then seeing them go.”

Abrahamson admits his parenting skills came in handy while working with the seven-year-old, something even Jacob picked up on.

“Jake uses that line now, he says ‘Well Lenny’s a Dad so he understands kids really well so he’s really nice.’ But then he also says I sound like the leprechaun from the Lucky Charms ad!”

In spite of Room’s multiple Oscar nominations and the high demand for his visionary creativity, the father of two is nothing short of definitive when he reassures me he’d never leave Ireland permanently.

“Look, there’s a lot about it that drives me absolutely crazy, and I like the fact that I can travel and work abroad, and the family can travel with me, but I just feel very rooted in Ireland,” he reveals. “I’m very much a homebird in some weird way. I’m totally connected to the strange, dysfunctional, self-parodying attitude we have in Ireland. There’s a kindness to the psyche that is so important. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”

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S H A R O N

H O R G A N

FUNNY BUSINESS IRISH COMEDIAN AND WRITER SHARON HORGAN TALKS TO ENTERPRISE ABOUT HER CHANNEL 4 SERIES CATASTROPHE, WORKING WITH SARAH JESSICA PARKER, AND TRYING TO CRACK AMERICA.

W O R D S

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haron Horgan is on a roll. With her acclaimed C4 comedy, Catastrophe, recommissioned for a second series, and a major new American sitcom called Divorce currently in production, the 45-year-old Irish actress and writer has been shuttling back and forth between London and NYC for most of the year.

“This past year has been really, really busy,” she sighs. “It’s been a bit mental. Tiring, but really good. There’s been a lot of travel – a lot of back and forth. I’ve spent a lot of time on planes, and then recovering from that, you know? I’ve had to split this year – half in New York and half in London, so that’s pretty tiring.

“We have such a crazy deadline for the second season of Catastrophe because Channel 4 wanted to put it out before the end of the year and it meant that we just had to work our asses off because, you know, we write it all ourselves.

Every spare second was spent writing. We didn’t even really have a second to consider what’s happening, we just had to get our heads down.”

To the uninitiated, Horgan’s comedic writing

offers a visceral take on life as it’s really lived, usually rooted in her own experiences. Her BAFTA-nominated breakthrough series, Pulling, dealt with the trials and tribulations of the thirtysomething dating scene, and her Channel 5 sitcom Angelo’s examined the working grind.

Co-written with her co-star, Boston comedian Rob Delaney, Catastrophe follows an Irish teacher and an American businessman – not so coincidentally called Sharon and Rob - who discover that she’s expecting a baby in the very early days of their relationship (which actually happened to Horgan and her now husband).

“Writing with Rob doesn’t necessarily accelerate the process but it makes it more fun,” she muses. “I write some things on my own, I collaborate a lot. I think Rob and I, whatever I’m lacking he has and whatever he’s lacking I have, so it’s kind of a little bit bonkers how easily we fit together. Otherwise partnerships are harder. I had a similarly good one with Dennis Kelly when we did Pulling, it just kind of depends. You do have an instant audience so you know if something is funny.

“I mean, I have occasionally found myself laughing on my own, but it feels weird. It’s just nice to have someone there with you. In terms of coming up with ideas – if you throw out an idea your partner can take that and run with another tangent, and you can’t do that with only one brain. This show I’m making in New York, we have a writers room, so we have eight writers – that’s an incredible experience because when you come up with an idea you have eight brains throwing it around the room. A lot of material gets generated very quickly with a group-writing scenario.”

The upcoming Divorce stars Sex and the City’s Sarah-Jessica Parker. Are they pally?

“Pally?” she laughs. “We get on really well and we work really well together. I’m just getting to know her and she’s just getting to know me. We did the pilot about a year ago and then took a chunk of time off for me to

make Catastrophe and to put together the scripts and all that. So we’ve just started filming and spending a lot of time together because she’s an exec on the show as well, so all the casting and all of that, she’s involved in. She’s a really great lady and an extraordinary person to work with. Her work ethic, as in her mindset, she’s very focussed, but likes to have fun. We’re just getting to know each other.”

When is Divorce going to air?

“It’s going to air on HBO but it’s not going to be on until further into 2016, I’m not sure when.

We finish filming it in February but then it goes into the big machine and obviously the press thing starts and they want to find the right slot for it. I’m not sure, it’ll be mid-way through 2016 I think.”

Although born in London, Horgan spent her childhood and formative years in Co Meath. However, her entire creative career has happened in the UK or US: so what’s her take on the notion that RTE doesn’t properly nurture Irish comedy?

“I don’t know, really, to tell you the truth,” she admits. “I’ve had a couple of things that I’ve spoken to RTE about in the past couple of years, just ideas I thought could be neat – they were Dublin-set. I mean they make some great shows, they make the Second Captains that’s a great show – there’s a lot of comedy in that.

I’ve seen some Hardy Bucks and thought that was funny. I don’t know a lot about their home grown comedy.

“I got out of there when I was really young because I guess I was looking for something.

I don’t necessarily know the reason why other comedy writers are not doing the same thing.

Because Irish stand-up is fantastic, some of the best. Obviously Graham Linehan is one of my favourite comedy writers. I think it’s a budget thing, I think it’s hard because I think their budgets are limited and that’s part of the reason why some stuff starts migrating. I don’t know the answer to your question really because I don’t know enough about Irish comedy specifically on RTE, although I know a lot of great Irish comics.”

Horgan herself has now amassed a body of work comparable to the aforementioned Linehan, and has been rightly recognised as one of the finest comedic talents to emerge from Ireland in recent times. Pulling deserves to be ranked alongside the best British comedies of the noughties, and her work on shows such as Broken News and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret further confirmed her ability.

And with the star set to make her US bow this year with the eagerly-anticipated Divorce, the best is yet to come.

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CALLING ALL STUDENTS!

writehere

WRITENOW A S TO R Y O F I R E L A N D T W O

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A STORY OF IRELAND IS A HOT PRESS INITIATIVE, AND FORMS PART OF THE 1916 CENTENARY PROGRAMME, IRELAND 2016. THIS MAJOR NATIONAL WRITING COMPETITION IS RUN IN ASSOCIATION WITH TWO CITIES, ONE BOOK, APRIL 2016

As part of the national commemorations in 2016, to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising, Dublin and Belfast will partner in Dublin City Council’s Two Cities One Book festival, based on the chosen book, Fallen by Lia Mills, published by Penguin Books.

To coincide with the festival, and as a key part of the national commemorations programme, Hot Press and Dublin City Libraries, in association with Libraries NI and with the support of the Ireland 2016 office, are planning a major all-Ireland writing competition. It will aim to uncover the best new young writing talent in the country, while also drawing the attention of people all over Ireland to Fallen, to the themes in the book and to the Two Cities One Book programme of events.

THE JUDGES

Our special panel of writing experts will include the author of Fallen, Lia Mills, Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes, Deputy Editor Stuart Clark as well as renowned authors, Christine Dwyer-Hickey, Joe O’Connor & Glenn Patterson.

THE COMPETITION:

Write A Story of Ireland Lia Mills’ beautiful and emotional novel Fallen evokes a powerful sense of what it was like for ordinary citizens, who ended up living through extraordinary times, in the Ireland of 1916. While reading Fallen, and reflecting, on the events of 1916 – which did so much to shape the future of the country – students will be invited to think about their own sense of what it is to be from the island of Ireland, or to live here. They will be encouraged to consider their own sense of identity in the light of the events of 1916 as described in Fallen – and the impact these events had on the lives of ordinary people of every social, political and religious background here at the time. And they will be asked to write A STORY OF IRELAND • No limits will otherwise be set about where, when, in what era – or indeed galaxy! – the entries will be located. Nor indeed about what form the written entry can take. We want students to use their imagination...

• It will be up to the entrants to set their vision down, create a fictional world, or reflect on the issue of identity in whatever way they think works best – whether through prose, poetry, rap, cartoon, autobiography or an extract from a film script.

• The competition will be a test of creativity, of originality, of vision, of style – of good writing and of the ability to entertain or enthral. In A Story of Ireland, the best entry in each category, in the opinion of the judges, will be the winner.

(top l-r) Lia Mills & Joe O'Connor (middle l-r) Niall Stokes & Glenn Patterson (bottom l-r) Christine Dwyer-Hickey & Stuart Clark

W E W I L L R E WA R D F O U R W I N N E R S ,

+ EIGHT REGIONAL WINNERS (AND MORE BESIDES!)

CATEGORY 1:

Second Level – Two Overall Winners This is open to Leaving Certificate students (5th & 6th Year) and equivalent.

• There will be one Male Winner and one Female Winner • Both winners will be invited for a two-week internship in HP central.

CATEGORY 2:

Third Level – Two Overall Winners This is open to all students attending 3rd Level colleges.

• There will be one Male Winner and one Female Winner • Both winners will be invited for a four-week internship in HP central.

(Category 2 is also open to those who have completed their third level education in the last 12 months.)

These FOUR OVERALL WINNERS will win an internship in Hot Press, during the spring or summer of 2015. Plus, they’ll receive a €250 cash prize, a Certificate of Achievement from WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW and other great prizes. They’ll also have their winning entry published in a special issue of Hot Press, a significant achievement that will greatly enhance the CV of any young writer.

THERE WILL BE EVEN MORE WINNERS TOO...

Even if you aren’t one of the four overall winners, there’s a still a chance to come away with some marvellous booty – and to set yourself on the road to writing full-time! Four runners-up, one from each province, will be selected in both Second Level and Third Level categories, to receive special prizes. And there will also be prizes for ten additional runnersup – amounting to 22 lucky winners in all.

Please note that there is no entry fee – this brilliant opportunity is open to everyone!

So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time to dawdle! The closing date for completed entries is April 8, 2016.

To submit your entry, log on to: hotpress.com/writeherewritenow Or email writeherewritenow@hotpress.ie if you have any queries.

GET WRITING! Two Cities One Book April 2016 Partnership is run by Dublin City Libraries’ Dublin UNESCO City of Literature Office, in association with Libraries Northern Ireland. www.dublinonecityonebook.ie

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Z O O L A N D E R

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MODEL CITIZENS THE IMMORTAL DEREK ZOOLANDER IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. FIFTEEN YEARS OLDER BUT STILL ‘RIDICULOUSLY GOOD-LOOKING’, CO-STARS BEN STILLER AND OWEN WILSON TALK ABOUT REVIVING THE CULT COMEDY W O R D S

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lue Steel is back, baby. Since introducing us to the razor-sharp cheekbones and traffic-stopping pout of ridiculously good-looking model Derek Zoolander 15 years ago, director Ben Stiller has been hounded by fans demanding a sequel to the wacky 2001 satire. He’s finally given diehards what they want. Zoolander 2 reunites Stiller’s moronic Zoolander and Owen Wilson’s free-spirited Hansel as they attempt to solve a series of bizarre killings. Meanwhile, Derek is also trying to become a good father to his son, and avoid the mercurial wrath of his nemesis, Mugatu (Will Ferrell).

Despite the constant badgering, the actors weren’t completely sure news of the sequel would be met with enthusiasm – not that their nerves prevented them from turning the announcement into a fabulous spectacle.

The duo made a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, breaking out their catwalk struts and Magnum pouts at Valentino’s show in the stunning Jardin des Tuileries.

“The ‘Eureka’ moment was when we walked out to announce the movie at the Valentino haute couture show. Because we were backstage saying ‘well we hope people are excited to see these characters again!” says Owen Wilson.

Stiller shared his co-star’s nerves, admitting he wasn’t sure how their appearance would be received by an audience of hard-core fashion fans, celebrities and models who were toddlers when the original film came out.

“It’s a high-pressure intense situation!” laughs Stiller. “We really didn’t know how people were going to react. It was a surprise and nobody knew. Even the models in the show didn’t know, so it was a really weird thing.”

“Especially in fashion, there’s no laugh track when you walk out there so you really don’t know,” agrees Wilson.

Videos of their catwalk cameos show a divided audience – half on their feet, screaming with glee, while the other fashionistas stare on in bemusement, clearly unaware of the power they’re invoking every time they order an orange mocha frappuccino.

One actress who was ecstatic to hear that the dim-witted model was returning to the screen was Penelope Cruz, who reveals that she had completely bought into the cult of Zoolander and his belief that “moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.”

“I didn’t know what project he was calling me for, and when he told me it was Zoolander I was so happy, because I really wanted to see the sequel because I saw the first one so many times, I memorised the dialogue – I was one of those people.”

The Spanish actress plays an Interpol special agent investigating the deaths of the world’s most beautiful people – among them Demi Lovato, Lenny Kravitz and Justin Bieber. Cruz says she found it difficult to keep a straight face while working with Stiller – who, as the lead actor and director, was often instructing the other actors while sporting impossibly high architectural hair spikes, shiny skintight lame

suits...and a certain expression.

“He’s always directing you wearing the wig and in costume and he’s doing Blue Steel and he doesn’t even know!” laughs Cruz. “And he can be very serious as a director, he’s a very strong director. He’s very sweet to everybody, but he can be serious. But him trying to be serious dressed like that? I was always laughing in his face! Me and everyone else!”

It’s not just Cruz who teases Stiller. Since first sharing a screen in The Cable Guy, Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller have co-starred in a dozen films over the past 20 years. They share a warm and witty shorthand which often manifests as Wilson affectionately laughing at Stiller. The director, who has recently been trying to break away from mainstream comedies, turning his directorial hand to subtler dramedies like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, can become unexpectedly serious - which earns him no end of ribbing from his co-stars.

Stiller begins to analyse the transformation Derek has undergone since the original film, referencing the character’s loss, brief stint as a hermit and a truly disturbing beard. But as Stiller begins to espouse the maturity and growth of his ridiculous, ever-pouting character, Wilson interjects, laughing uproariously at Stiller’s sincerity.

“Derek’s not nuanced! He runs the gamut of emotion from A to B!” But Stiller persists, his earnest affection for the character only somewhat undermined by Wilson’s bemused giggles.

“There’s a sweetness to Derek, an innocence,” insists Stiller, “but I think the film was a way to explore some other parts of Derek’s personality; him being a father, how he’s dealing with aging.”

The actors do share a poignant moment when reminiscing about their hero, David Bowie, and his brief but unforgettable cameo as a walk-off judge in the original comedy. Wilson reveals that since Bowie’s death in January, his memories of the first film have been tinged with a certain sadness. He admits working with Bowie was a career highlight, saying “that day he worked with us in Yonkers, where we filmed, he was such a cool lovely guy. We felt so lucky that he agreed to be in the movie and had such a good sense of humour about it.”

Zoolander 2 is in cinemas now

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GETTING THINGS DONE W O R D S

C O L M

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P H O T O

K A T H R I N

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B A U M B A C H

ARTY MORRISSEY JUST TRIED TO CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN!”

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IN LESS THAN FIVE YEARS, THE GALWAY START-UP BEHIND A REVOLUTIONARY SALES TECHNOLOGY HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. FOUNDER AND CEO MICHAEL FITZGERALD EXPLAINS THE GENESIS OF ONEPAGECRM, AND THEIR LOFTY AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE Normally when Enterprise sits down with entrepreneurs, it’s difficult to get them to talk about anything other than their business. Michael Fitzgerald, with a glint in his eye, would be just as happy discussing the time he built a raft with some friends and dodged grizzly bears as they floated down the Yukon river.

There is, however, a story even more remarkable than any adventures in the Alaskan wilderness; the Galway start-up that’s poised to compete with the big boys of the technology world.

OnePageCRM is a customer relationship management system in operation since 2011, in which time it has quickly established itself as a trusted and valuable part of countless businesses. Its genesis didn’t arise from an academic study of the market, either; in this case, necessity really was the mother of invention.

“We all scratch our own itch,” Michael reasons.

“When I give guest lectures, I tell students they shouldn’t be building their own businesses straight out of college — you’ll only end up making a programme that tells you where to go for pints on a Thursday evening! Instead, they should be out in the industry, seeing the problems that need to be solved. And typically, those are the difficult ones; otherwise they’d be solved already.”

The matter of interest to Michael centred upon how sales software could better assist users, and the answer came through the self-same motto that Michael based his own business around.

“There’s a business motto called GTD; getting things done,” Michael explains. “That’s what we use, but sales is just the same — it’s all about actions. If you have enough small interactions with people, they’ll get that warm fuzzy feeling in their tummy, that you’re the right person to do business with. If you send an estimate to someone, for instance, that can’t be the end of it.”

To that end, OnePageCRM is built to not only simplify life for sales people, but also drive productivity. A streamlined interface presents all the information you need on one clutter-free page, while constantly setting out your next task.

“Our product forces you to think about the next action, relentlessly going after the next step until you’re over the line. That’s why we’re far more effective than most CRM systems, which are little more than databases. Ours has an opinion, and guides someone how to live their lives in sales.”

Of course, that process isn’t achieved by dictatorial instruction. The growth and development of the business is in no small way down to feedback from customers.

“A start-up is a very difficult fly-wheel to start turning,” Michael reveals. “You do things that don’t scale — like how anyone who contacts us gets a personal email back from me. We could

probably have done things more quickly, but building the hands of customers takes time.”

You feel there’s a lot of humility going on in that account, as the business has been hugely ambitious from the outset. Recognising that their low price-point would require a larger market than Ireland could offer, focus was turned to the US — which resulted in some truly comical moments.

“You do crazy things,” Michael grins. “I had a US phone number, which came into my mobile through Skype. I was at home with my kids - two small boys at the time - whose main hobbies are running and shouting. On this day, they were really acting up. They followed me while I’m on the phone, chasing me, going faster and faster; I’m charging from room to room, trying to make a sale. In the end, I barricaded myself into the bathroom, at which point all hell broke loose; it was a terrible idea. They were running at the door, banging it, kicking it… I had to tell the guy I wasn’t actually in New York, but rather minding the kids at 8pm in Galway!”

Not, mind, that Galway has proven to be a bad centre of operations.

“It’s certainly not a difficult place to attract people. One of our best coders looked up the best place to live in Ireland, and found Galway.

He searched for the best start-up to join in Galway, and found us. He walked in the door with his CV on a Wednesday, and he was working as one of our top coders by Monday.”

But with so many global tech giants based in Ireland, winning your share of talented staff can’t be easy?

“Well, a lot of the tech companies here don’t have massive amounts of engineers; it’s more marketing, and the business side of things. In any case, there’s a certain breed attracted to start-ups. Everyone who works with us has a huge impact on the culture of the company, as opposed to the relative anonymity at a big corporation.”

Which suits Michael just fine.

“Employment gives me a kick,” he says.

“We have 18 involved right now, with five more positions to be filled. We’ve never really advertised, but we have 6,500 paying users. But this is the year that we’re ramping it up.”

Indeed, products to be unveiled will place OnePageCRM as a viable alternative to industry leaders like Salesforce, while their pattern of doubling in users every year has seen their target for users in 2019 stand at 60,000.

And while that’s unlikely to change the philosophies and qualities that’s taken them this far, one small feature of the business may have to change.

“Everyone getting a personal email might have to stop,” Michael laughs. “Unless I can clone myself!”

BUSINESS | ENTERPRISE

M I C H A E L

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MANAGING JUST FINE IT'S A MASSIVE YEAR FOR MICHAEL O'NEILL AND HIS NORTHERN IRELAND TEAM AS THE EUROS BECKON. HE TELLS STUART CLARK WHY THEY CAN MAKE IT TO THE KNOCKOUT STAGES.

“A

re you sure it’s Michael O’Neill you want to talk to?” laughed the Irish Football Association PRO when we rang up to request an interview with the man in charge of the Other Boys In Green.

While the Martin variety of O’Neill also merits copious praise for securing the Republic a Euro 2016 berth, it was Michael qualifying as Group F winners with Northern Ireland, which ranked as the managerial feat of 2015.

It had all gotten off to a pretty rotten start with the North suffering 0-3 and 0-6 reversals to Norway and Holland in his first 2011 friendly games in charge. Did he think, “Damn, I’ve bitten off more than I can chew here?”

“We weren’t at full strength for either game, which for financial reasons were both played away from home, so, no, I didn’t panic,” O’Neill insists. “Far more important for me were the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. We finished a disappointing fifth in the group, but drawing 1-1 in Portugal and beating Russia 1-0 at Windsor Park showed what the team was capable of.

There were several games when with 80, 85 minutes gone we were still in it, but ended up conceding. We finished with seven points, but were arguably worth 15 or 16. That mental block of, however well we’d played, not getting a result was removed when we came from behind to beat Hungary in our opening Euro qualifier.

We then beat the Faroe Islands at home and Greece away to go top of the group, so it was a dream start that got everyone believing that, ‘Yeah, we can do it!’”

His 88th minute winner in Budapest was the first of Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty’s seven Euro 2016 qualifying goals, two more than the likes of Robbie Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo, KlaasJan Huntelaar and Eden Hazard could muster.

Impressive form from a man who Palermo let go after just one season because, as chairman Maurizo Zamparini put it, “He is a womaniser - he disappears for a week, takes a plane to go hunt for women in Milan. His behaviour is unmanageable. Kyle’s an Irishman without rules.”

“He’s had a lot of bad press, some of which to be honest he’s brought on himself, but

"I’D LOVE TO BE ABLE TO PICK A SIDE FULL OF CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYERS!"

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Kyle’s a great lad,” O’Neill resumes. “He’s a fantastic athlete who’s quick, powerful and technically good. What he’s done this campaign is consistently bring those things together. His performances in the World Cup qualifiers were good, but due to a lack of confidence, perhaps, he missed some chances and didn’t score.

Through a mixture of injury and suspension, he only played in four of the games, which when you’ve only got a handful of Premier League players in the squad was a big blow. Kyle’s a likeable character and easy to deal with, so I can’t speak too highly of him.”

Far from making up the numbers this summer in France, O’Neill is confident they can reach the knockout stages.

“We’re currently 28th in the FIFA rankings and go there as group winners, which is an amazing achievement with this group of players,” he notes. “Our squad comes from the four leagues in England and the top two divisions in Scotland.

I’m always hearing about the Republic of Ireland and Wales being forced to pick Championship players; I’d love to be able to pick a side full of Championship players! The Republic have 55 in the Championship whereas we have less than 40 in the whole of the UK to choose from. Our best results have come against the bigger teams, so there won’t be any fear factor.”

Asked whether he’s spoken to Martin O’Neill since the Republic’s smiting of Bosnia, Michael says, “Martin was in contact before the play-offs to ask whether I’d talk to him about Hungary if they were drawn against them, and of course I said, ‘Yes’. I’m sure we’ll compare notes with regards to things like base camps. I’ve already discussed the best way to prepare with Chris Coleman who’s managing in a tournament for the first time too.”

The enthusiasm with which Norn Iron qualifying for the Euros was greeted in the Republic is probably down to the heroics Michael performed whilst Shamrock Rovers manager from 2009-’11 Back to back titles, a Setanta Cup win and a history-making Europa League campaign guarantee him a place in the pantheon of Hoops legends. The latter was achieved by beating the mighty Partisan Belgrade on home turf.

“Partisan the year before had been in the Champions League, so they were a good side and firm favourites to progress, but on the back of a 1-1 in Tallaght we went there and got one of the best - if not the best - Irish club results ever. It was a very intimidating place to go, and bloody hot; we could have been forgiven for fading in extra-time but instead went up a gear. It was an absolute honour to be the Rovers manager that night and then play massive clubs like Spurs, PAOK and Rubin Kazan.”

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ADDRESS \ 1 WEST PIER, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13 PHONE \ (01) 832 0690

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aqua.ie

CELEB \ AIDEN GILLEN VENUE \ AQUA

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THRONES GAME OF THRONES STAR AIDAN GILLEN PULLS UP A STOOL AND TALKS TO ROISIN DWYER ABOUT LIFE IN WESTEROS PLUS HIS TURN IN ACCLAIMED DUBLIN-SET '80S ROM-COM SING STREET P H O T O S

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oon to return to our screens in groundbreaking series Game Of Thrones and grace your local Cineplex in John Carney’s hotly-anticipated Sing Street, Aidan Gillen is one of the busiest and best-known Irish actors working today.

He did, however, find a few hours in his busy schedule to join us in the impressive surrounds of Aqua restaurant on Howth’s West Pier to discuss his latest projects and enjoy some of Dublin’s finest seafood.

Aqua opened its doors in 1999 and is based in a building that previously housed Howth’s Sailing Club. The restaurant enjoys magnificent views of the harbour, which diners can admire through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

As we settle down to the difficult task of choosing from the mouth-watering menu, Gillen chats breezily about his sundry acting adventures of late, which include Knights Of The Round Table, Guy Ritchie’s take on the Arthurian legend.

“When you’re doing something like that you always hope it’s a fresh take on the story, and it is,” says Gillen. “People will be familiar with Excalibur which was quite a gloomy version of the legend, good but quite heavy. The Guy Ritchie version is a punchy and fun one. We hope.”

How did Gillen find working with Guy? “Great actually, the scale of that production was pretty massive so that’s always a real luxury,” he muses. “He likes to put together a group of people who will work well together. I assume that’s what he likes to do, as that’s what’s apparent from his films.”

We have heard various reports that David Beckham is in the opus.

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“He is in it, yes,” nods Gillen guardedly. “He’s in disguise so I’m not sure if we’re allowed say that.

He’s in a facial disguise! I don’t want to give too much away but Beckham is in there somewhere.”

The difficult business of ordering now complete, I probe the actor on the nation’s favourite fantasy drama Game Of Thrones. What’s the secret of its success?

“It’s the global scale of it that makes it as big as it is,” he proffers. “People really relate to it and go for those big themes tied in with the production values which are so high. In all kinds of different cultures, whether it’s Japan, Russia, England or South America, power, loyalty, family, love, death and revenge all resonate.”

When he signed up for the show all those years ago, could he ever have foreseen its success and longevity?

“I signed up for a few seasons and then as it went along, well, they took it year by year, which is the sensible way to go especially in a show like that where some of the characters don’t make it past episode nine. But I would have known that if it was successful a six-season arc was the norm, as it was for a Sopranos or Six Feet Under or whatever was the comparable series at the time.

It has shot six seasons now. Whether I’m in it anymore, I don’t know.”

The forthcoming sixth season will differ from the others as the storyline of the television series has already caught up with George RR Martin’s novels.

“The fans who have read the books don’t have any idea of what’s happening next and neither do actors - that’s pretty exciting because you could have always looked it up before. George Martin cares about his books and he is not going to rush

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one so they are playing it the only way he can. It leaves everyone in a more interesting place than ever before,” he says.

Just then our starters arrive, crab and prawn salad for Aidan and fried calamari with spiced tomato, pesto and roast garlic for me. The crab and prawn are fresh and cooked to perfection, with generous portions provided. The fried calamari is of perfect consistency and the combination of accompanying flavours provides a tantilising mix.

Game Of Thrones is shot in a mix of locations, including northern Ireland, which provides Gillen with the opportunity to explore Belfast and its surrounds on a regular basis.

“I love Belfast, I’ve really enjoyed my time there over the last six years,” he enthuses. “I’m usually in the city and I always end up near the university or Botanic Avenue. There are really good cafes in that area and the QFT is a really good cinema. There’s also a great bookshop nearby called No Alibis. In terms of Belfast pubs The Spaniard is a pretty nice spot.”

“I brought my bike up the first couple of years I was there,” he adds. “One of the best bike rides you can take is along the Lagan Towpath all the way to Lisburn.”

Moving on to other projects, I quiz Gillen on John Carney’s forthcoming celluloid outing Sing Street, a music-based outing set in 1980s Dublin.

“When I read the script, I remember thinking if they can get good kids for these roles and get the music right this will be great. And they did. The original music that was written is really strong and they’ve used the best hot 80s tracks,” he says.

The film received rave reviews at Sundance.

Does Gillen think an Irish audience will be more

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A FOOD AWAKENING The latest dining news from resident foodie Stuart Clark

(Clockwise from top) Teeling Distillery, Chocolat Chaud beer and sandwiches Cuban style

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accepting if the US has given the film the nod first?

“No, I think people will decide for themselves. I think people are a lot harder to impress in Ireland than they are in Sundance,” he asserts. “It is a great film with a lot of heart, so we’ll see.”

“Maria Doyle Kennedy and myself play this kid’s parents,” he says of his involvement. “The last time we acted together we were brother and sister so we branched out a little! The kid is trying to escape a family life that’s crumbling and unhappy. So the parent roles are kind of crucial to what’s driving that kid.”

And now to the main event. Aidan opts for the chargrilled tuna, which comes cooked to perfection and served with long stem broccoli bursting with flavour and a Vietnamese dressing which brings out the natural aromas. Your humble correspondent’s choice of cod is melt-inthe-mouth perfection complemented by a tomato and chorizo sauce and grilled gambas.

It seems this is a golden age for Irish cinema, with Irish actors (Gillen included) taking leading roles in many Hollywood blockbusters and homegrown film receiving plaudits and awards around the globe.

“I think Irish cinema is in a good place,” he nods. “In terms of the Oscars, I’m sure there have been other years when Irish films had lots of nominations but it was probably multiple nominations for one film, such as The Crying Game and In The Name Of The Father which had great success.”

“It’s great to see so many different titles recognised this year,” he adds. “What excites me is the thought of lots of people going to see these films.”

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THIS LOVING TEELING Dublin's new Teeling Whiskey Distillery is turning green on St. Patrick's Day with The MothStorySLAM, a spontaneous storytelling session hosted by stand-up Colm O'Regan who spent an extra-long time kissing the Blarney Stone as a nipper. Tickets are available from stpatricksfestival.ie/ events/lovemycity The celebrations continue on March 19 with Getting Crafty, a day-long gathering in their Smithfield HQ of artisan Irish producers. These include Wood Key Brewing, The Dublin Doughnut Company, chocolatiers Bean & Goose, the Little Milk Company, Hanlon's Smokehouse and Munroe's who've conjured up Teeling-flavoured jerk sauce and whiskey-infused crisps. Yum! The Telling Whiskey Distillery is open seven days a week with tours and tastings running every 30 minutes. Beat the queues by booking at teelingdistillery.com

HAVANA A GOOD TIME! Long a star of the St. George's Market in Belfast - if you've not paid East Bridge Street a Friday or Saturday visit, remedy it! - the Cuban Sandwich Factory has taken up residence recently in Queen's Arcade.

The Cuban Reuben - salted beef accompanied by caramelised onion, gherkins and Irish cheddar - is deserving of a Michelin star in its own right. Carlos, Jose and Marco do equally wondrous things with pork, which is pushed and pulled in every direction.

You'll also find the Cuban Sandwich Factory cohabiting with Lecky's newsagent on Church Street. facebook.com/ CubanSandwichFactoryBelfast has the various opening hours.

HERE COMES THE SOMMER! We're looking forward to eating our bodyweight in schnitzel at the inaugural German Bierfest, which takes over Belfast's Custom House Square from May 18-22.

Along with two gardens serving beer and sparkling Sekt wine, there will be traditional sommerfest food, music, market stalls and a fun fair.

Bag yourself tickets at belfast.bierfest.co.uk On the homefront, keep your eyes/tastebuds peeled for Chocolat Chaud, a wondrous 6% ABV Belgian Stout from the folk at Mourne Brewery, which also has spicy clove and orange peel notes.

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(From top) Looseysmokes perform Roustabout, David Holmes and Lian Bell will all be at the Drogheda Arts Festival, Eastern Seaboard monkl taco, Monasterboice Inn & a pice of work by Roy Lichtenstein from the Highlanes Gallery

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BOYNE & DANDY ONE OF IRELAND’S LARGEST TOWNS, DROGHEDA IS IDEALLY LOCATED ON THE DUBLIN-BELFAST CORRIDOR AND IS SPILLING OVER WITH GREAT RESTAURANTS, STUNNING SCENERY AND LUXURY SHOPPING OPTIONS. W O R D S

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ust 48km north of Dublin, Drogheda is gaining a well-earned reputation as the cultural capital of the Boyne Valley.

This historic fortified port town, which straddles the Boyne River, is a perfect base from which to visit some of Ireland’s most world famous attractions,including the enchanting megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange and the early Christian settlement at Monasterboice.

When you fancy a break, the popular Artisan Café is nearby for a quick pick-me-up. Scotch Hall and Laurence Town Centre offer a modern shopping experience. The town is bustling with activity every Friday when local farmers, growers and craft-makers descend on West Street Farmer’s Market to sell their own produce. On Saturday The Old Schoolhouse Market features the best from Drogheda’s talented craft-makers and artisan producers.

On the coastal sweet spot between Dublin and Belfast, Drogheda boasts some of the finest and most unique natural attractions that the nation has to offer, all the while providing visitors with easy access to a bustling shopping district and a vibrant town centre.

Surrounded by spectacular heritage attractions, Drogheda’s busy town centre is renowned as a hotbed for the arts and as a town with a vital nightlife courtesy of traditional family-run pubs, a thriving and lively music scene and endless fine-dining options. Thanks to the seaside location, its restaurants are gifted with a wealth of seafood provided by the beautiful Louth coastline, from which an abundance of salmon, lobster, oysters, mussels, and crabs arrive fresh to your table.

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SHOPPING Drogheda has both the charm of the local market, and the hustle of the street. On the central thoroughfare, West Street, shoppers can avail of both mainstream and independent retailers. Indeed, the town centre is filled with a variety of options for visiting shoppers. Narrow West Street is the destination for stylish ladies’ wear; Stockwell Street and Duke Street should be the focus of those with a quirkier sensibility, filled as they are with trendy vintage shops.

While browsing or shopping in the convenient town centre you are sure to be impressed by the many impressive local landmarks nearby.

Close to Drogheda’s main street are St. Peter’s Catholic Church, world famous for housing the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett, and St. Laurence Gate, one of the finest barbicans of its type in Europe. A visit to St. Laurence Gate must include a stop at the Highlane Gallery. Housed in a former 19th-century Franciscan Church, this light filled-gallery and museum is home to the Municipal Art Collection, as well as several national and international temporary exhibitions.

Drogheda Museum Millmount and Millmount Tower are known affectionately as the ‘Cup and Saucer’. This Martello-type tower takes pride of place overlooking Drogheda. It is home to a fascinating collection of military memorabillia and artefacts in the adjoining museum.

Drogheda is also within easy reach of such attractions as the legendary Newgrange – a peerless cultural icon, the historic fifth century ruins of an early Christian settlement at Monasterboice, and family destinations such as Funtasia Waterpark and Tayto Park.

FOOD, DRINK & NIGHTLIFE Following a busy day of shopping and sightseeing, Drogheda provides many options to help the weary visitor unwind. Top of our list is the award winning Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill at the Bryanstown Centre on the Dublin Road.

Listed three years in a row in the prestigious McKenna Guide ‘Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland’, this year Easter Seaboard was awarded the ‘ESBG Best Casual Dining Award’ for Louth, and last year took the overall Leinster Award. One bite of their amazing sweet & spicy Lollipop-style freerange chicken wings and you’ll realize why they’ve been so celebrated. Other menu highlights include the Pork belly cos lettuce wraps with Asian slaw and house-made daikon kimchi; and their delicious monkfish tacos. In addition to the tasty treats, there is a carefull curated wine list featuring organic, natural wines from local retailer Quintessential Wines and craft beers from the local Boyne Brewhouse. The Eastern Seaboard is partnered with the nearby Brown Hound Bakery, winner of the Irish Times Best Shop Award in 2014, and a place where people line up for warm apple monkey bread every morning and savory tarts in the afternoon. Fully refreshed and ready for more, Drogheda offers plenty nightlife options and a buzzing live music scene. McHugh’s on Chord Road embraces its clientele with the familiar surroundings of the traditional, familyrun, Irish Pub - while also attracting the best of local and celebrity performers.

After hours McPhail’s will keep spirits high with late night music and a large beer garden complete with its own bar. For those in search of a more atmospheric end to the night, Wm Cairnes and Son gastropub captures the essence of the 1865 brewery in which it has been founded and features a menu of the finest craft beers and world whiskies.

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Pianist Cedric Tiberghien performs at the DAF Sat 30 April

and part of the Friary, and houses the town’s most treasured heirlooms: a ceremonial sword and mace presented to Drogheda Corporation by King William III after the Battle of the Boyne.

Recently, Highlanes Gallery began a series of monthly gallery-based sessions for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. These informal gallery sessions involve looking at artwork, and informal discussion with tea, coffee and cake.

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DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE Droichead Arts Centre has been at the heart of the arts and cultural scene in Drogheda for over 21 years and in that time has established itself as a significant venue for theatre, live music, visual arts and community events. It

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UPCOMING EVENTS The Táin March and Festival, a celebration of Ireland’s heroes and myths, begins in Rathcroghan on May 28 and finishes in Omeath on June 26. The march follows the path of Queen Maeve of Connacht who set out from Roscommon, marching on Cooley, and finishes at picturesque Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula.

The first acts have been announced for Vantastival 2016 (June 3, 4), with Waterford party–starters King Kong Company heading up another eclectic bill for the camper van friendly festival at Beaulieu House. The Irish Maritime Festival, which takes place on July 9–10, is expected to attract 45,000 visitors to Drogheda’s historic port for two days of family friendly activities including extreme sports displays, the Boyne Swim, the North East Chowder Competition and the spectacular sight of full-scale pirate ships battling on the river.

photo : brian connolly

From dawn ‘till dusk, this entire May Bank Holiday week, Drogheda will be filled with an exciting mix of music, theatre, visual art, literature, film and family fun for all ages. Our dedicated arts venues are joined by some of the region’s most important historic buildings in hosting exhibitions, concerts, readings, and performances.

From the 12th century Millmount complex to the 1770-built Tholsel, and from Beaulieu House of 1666 to the baroque interior of St. Peter’s church, audiences enjoy inspirational work in the most atmospheric of venues. This year will see a world premiere of The Big Fella from acclaimed playwright Declan Gorman, a public interview concerning social change in the arts in Ireland, with Lian Bell #wakingthefeminists, special DJ Set by David Holmes, contemporary music with Kaleidoscope Nights in a former Franciscan church, and a new work, Cumann, by artist-inresidence Michael McLoughlin.

Drogheda Arts Festival programmes extensively for families with free street spectacle on the winding medieval streets of the town, special theatre performances for younger audiences, and a complete family day at Beaulieu House, where children undoubtedly rule the roost!

Late-night events, garden tours and architectural walks top off a very special week in the Boyne Valley.

is highly regarded among artists and audiences for its intimacy, friendliness and commitment to professional presentation of small-scale arts and entertainment. The gallery hosts seven exhibitions a year, featuring some of the most interesting up-and-coming and established artists in Ireland.

Forthcoming events include a stopmotion animation workshop for kids called Brick Flicks on March 30; the play Charolais by Noni Stapleton on April 1, which won the Bewley’s ‘Little Gem Award’ at the Tiger Dublin Fringe; the exhibition One Need Not Be a Chamber to be Haunted by Drogheda artist Jackie Hudson Lalor, which opens on April 16; ‘Search For Summer’, a dance performance featuring students from the Aisling Nally Dance Company and Believe 2 Achieve Performance Academy on April 24; and Around The World In 80 Years, an evening with legendary sports broadcaster, Jimmy Magee on May 26.

It’s just 7km from Drogheda to the historic site of Monasterboice and the Monasterboyce Inn, home of Thomas Sarsfield at the time of the Battle of the Boyne. In 1798, the fleeing Charles Hamilton Teeling swam the Boyne on horseback and took shelter at the tavern. The inn still retains much of its character from those days, and sells good liquor and good food nicely complemented by a highly efficient service. Originally a coach house, the main lounge has an attractive dining alcove around old-fashioned fires; perfect for an easy relaxed chat or for a quick meal. The Monasterboice Inn is ideally situated just off the M1

motorway at Junction 10, great for a stop-off between Dublin and Belfast or while enjoying the rich heritage trail of Boyne Valley Drive. For further information go to monasterboice-inn.ie.

THE HIGHLANES GALLERY The state-of-the-art Highlanes Gallery, which opened in 2006, is located in the centre of Drogheda, in the heart of the Boyne Valley. Highlanes Gallery aims to be one of Ireland’s most important visual art spaces, presenting a dynamic and diverse programme of temporary exhibitions and exhibitions drawn from the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection. The Collection dates from the middle of the eighteenth century and includes over 100 works by artists over three centuries including Gabrielle Ricciardelli, James McNeill Whistler, Nano Reid, Grace Henry, Manie Jellet, Gerard Dillon, Gereon Krebber and Diana Copperwhite. The gallery is uniquely situated in the former Drogheda Franciscan Church

Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill

Casual Dining At It’s Finest 041 9802570

Brown Hound Bakery good baked goods 041 9833792

Drogheda | Co Louth | www.glasgow-diaz.com facebook | twitter @eseaboard | instagram

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BREAKFAST (9.00 - 12.15) LUNCH (12.15 - 4.30) A LA CARTE (4.30 TO 9/10 ON SAT)

Fully Licenced.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS: • The Swing of the Sixties: Trinity’s College Gallery • Drogheda Municipal Art Collection • How To: Teachers, Young People & Art, The Carol of the Birds 18 FEBRUARY – 9 APRIL 2016

Highlanes Gallery, Laurence St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland t. + 353 (0)41 9803311 w. www.highlanes.ie e. info@highlanes.ie

MONASTERBOICE INN Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 041-9837383

25 April - 2 May

Booking: +353 (0)41 9833946 www.droghedaartsfestival.ie Drogheda Arts Festival signals the start of the summer, making the banks of the Boyne the place to be this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Join in, as Drogheda becomes Ireland’s cultural capital for 7 special days.

• www.droghedartsfestival.ie | www.discoverboynevalley.ie •

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2016'S TOP

HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS FROM THE CULTURAL DELIGHTS OF NORTHERN EUROPE TO THE STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY OF WEST AFRICA, WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE YOUR MAP SHOULD BE MARKED THIS YEAR

Panoramic view of La Concha Bay, San Sebastian and (above) Wrocław University of Technology

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This year, the stunning Basque city located on Spain’s northern coast, a stone’s throw from the French border, will jointly hold the honour of European Capital of Culture with the Polish City of Wroclaw. San Sebastián, or Donostia as it’s known in Basque, is renowned for its collection of world class Michelin star restaurants and proliferation of exquisite tapas bars, or pintxos in the local vernacular.

If indulging in haute cuisine is your bag you should look no further than ‘Little Paris’. If you want to experience the sheer breadth of bite-size dishes on offer, various night-time pintxos tours are available. The city is best experienced by foot, and a network of seaside promontories and footpaths connect the tranquil coast with the rolling hills that form the city’s backdrop.

A number of wonderful beaches, popular with both surfers and sun-worshippers, surround the city and the atmospheric old quarter, known as the ‘Parte Vieja’, is decorated with period buildings reflecting the city’s diverse history. For younger visitors there’s a world-class aquarium and every Saturday, hundreds of schoolkids descend onto the famed ‘La Concha’ beach to play seven-a-side football on one of 15 pitches marked out on the smooth sand. Take a flight to Barcelona and connect onwards to San Sebastián with Iberia. Flight time is just over an hour.

Wroclaw, located in Poland’s western region of Lower Silesia, is undoubtedly one of continental Europe’s hidden gems. Over the centuries, Wroclaw has been occupied by various Kingdoms and the influence of such cultures, including Prussian and Bohemian, has resulted in a city rich in jaw-dropping architecture and historic monuments and buildings. The medieval market square or Rynek is simply magnificent, and serves as the pedestrianised centrepiece of this wonderful city.

In 2016, in addition to sharing the honour of being European Capital of Culture with San Sebastián, Wroclaw will also host the European Film Awards. The city has a bustling nightlife, largely fuelled by the sizeable student population that swells its citizenship to over 600,000 inhabitants. Built on the river Oder, Wroclaw boasts a series of islands, including the Cathedral Island, home to the city’s imposing gothic cathedral.

The Max Berg-designed exhibition space, known locally as Centennial Hall, is a Unesco World Heritage site and will host a varied number of European City of Culture-curated events throughout the coming year. Wroclaw can boast numerous eateries and pubs housed in period buildings, including Piwnica Świdnicka, regarded as the oldest restaurant in Europe and operational since 1275!

In mid-June the city welcomes the thirsty

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A Costa Rican red-eyed tree frog and (above) Reykjavík in summer

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hordes for the annual beer festival, which celebrates the region’s long tradition of producing excellent tipples.

To get there, fly Dublin to Krakow direct, then take the three-hour train ride.

COSTA RICA Situated between Panama and Nicaragua in tropical Central American, Costa Rica is one of the world’s most beautiful and unspoilt nations. The magnificent rainforest jungles, teeming with exotic fauna, are reason enough to visit.

Adrenaline junkies can experience the heart of its unspoilt interior via raging river rapids, whilst those looking for something a little more tranquil can hike high into the lush, volcano pocked highlands and rest their weary limbs on some of the planet’s most spectacular beaches. Exotic wildlife is one of the country’s major calling cards, including such wonderful creatures as macaws, sloths and toucans.

Costa Ricans are proud of their reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming nations and are always keen to assist travellers. With both an extended Pacific and Caribbean coastline, Costa Rica is a mecca for surfers, divers and fans of any number of aquatic pursuits. Government policy has placed a special focus on sustainable tourism and, as a result, Costa Rica can boast some of the world’s best eco-lodges.

Over a third of the country is preserved by environmental protection orders, ensuring Costa Rica will remain as one of the most pristine natural environments on earth. If experiencing tropical perfection is what you’re looking for then look no further!

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The Icelandic capital city, located on the icy shores of the country’s southwestern region, certainly has a unique atmosphere all of its own. Framed by the majestic Mount Esja, the world’s most northerly capital city is famed for its patchwork of multi-coloured rooftops that lend it a quaint ambience.

Despite its relatively small size and a population of less than 200,000, Reykjavik is brimming with quirky architecture, fine museums and excellent dining options and nightlife. Only in existence since 1786, when it was settled as a trading post, the ‘Bay of Smokes’ is regarded as one of the world’s greenest cities. Among the major attractions are the natural springs that provide hot water for the entire population.

If you’re planning to hit the town, beware! Alcohol prices in bars are pretty steep, so it’s best to mimic the local habit of drinking at home and heading out late for the last few rounds. Of course, the time of year you travel to the Icelandic capital will affect your experience dramatically.

Reykjavik, located a short distance from the Arctic Circle, only gets four hours of sunshine in winter, and almost the full 24 hours in summer! Wow Air fly from Dublin to Reykjavik twice a week with a flight time of just over two hours.

GHANA The West African nation, situated on the Gulf of Guinea, is often portrayed as one of the continent’s model nations. Unlike the governmental upheavals and social unrest that typify its near neighbours, Ghana has been blessed with stability and, as a result, the country has thrived.

Boasting wonderful coastal regions, arresting cities and varied wildlife, including unspoilt jungles, the land of the ‘Warrior King’ is simply an amazing destination.

With a wealth of oil, gas, diamonds and cocoa, Ghana has become the most economically progressive country in the region.

Amongst the chief attractions are the pleasant tropical climate, the bustling cities such as Accra, and the stunning Atlantic coast, notable for its gorgeous beaches and multitude of forts and castles dating from the colonial era. Kakum National Park in southern Ghana is the destination for wildlife lovers, as its home to sizeable populations of meerkats, buffalo and elephant.

For an up-close encounter with some crocodiles, head for Paga crocodile reserve. Ghana is also home to the world’s largest man-made lake, Volta, while Kintampo Falls are amongst the world’s most stunning natural features. Book your direct flight from London to Accra, you won’t be disappointed with the jewel in West Africa’s crown.

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THIS YEAR’S SPRING FASHION IS ALL ABOUT EMBRACING THE FLIRTY, FEMININE AND FIT. FROM IRRESISTIBLE WORK-OUT GEAR TO GLAMOROUS EMBELLISHMENT, THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT SELF-CARE.

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ROMANTIC RUFFLES

So January has passed, and it’s likely that all your good intentions and New Year’s Resolutions have been abandoned, leaving you back in your natural default state of inhaling junk food and viewing “surfing the web” as a legitimate form of cardio.

But if you are still on a healthy kick, there are ways to keep you motivated on your journey to a healthier lifestyle – one being a killer outfit. Despite what lifestyle fitness blogs or the Kardashians would have you believe, there’s no need to break the bank when it comes to your workout gear. While some people may insist it’s perfectly reasonable to spend hundreds of euro on leggings, we’d much prefer to buy something cute, cheap and cheerful and save our money for killer new outfits that show off our stronger and more toned selves after all our hard work has paid off.

This is why we’re loving the new workout gear available from Penneys. The collection is filled with great mix-and-match items, with a complementary palette of greys, charcoals, pinks, and neon yellows. With running shorts, cropped and long leggings, t-shirts, vests and windbreakers, there are flattering and comfortable cuts for everyone, as well as slogan tops for a bit of added personality.

Wonderfully affordable, the collection will allow you to stock up on a few items, which will not only give you options but also save you on laundry (seriously, it’s all about taking as much of the hassle out of exercising as possible.) And with the cash you save, you can invest more on the most important items of your workout ensemble: great runners with good support, and the all-important sports bra. There are also on-trend options for other fitness accessories, like sports watches and gym bags to help you feel even more co-ordinated.

Now, get out there and start making yourself feel as good as you look.

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone but the romantic trend shows no sign of waning for spring/summer 2016. Embellishment and palette are huge for romantic fashion, and one of our favourite key details is the incomparable ruffle. Flirty, feminine and intricate, the ruffle is surprisingly versatile, and can be used to evoke prairie innocence, Victorian sensuality, gothic romance or ethereal femininity. The ruffle was seen in all its glorious guises on the Spring catwalks. Zimmermann and Alexander McQueen showed us how to work Victorian-inspired, highnecked, ruffled pieces. Teaming all-over ruffles with statement jewellery feels luxurious and showstopping, while clashing monochromatic graphics with ruffles adds a modern deco approach to this trend. If you want to bring ruffles into your casual and workwear, team ruffled blouses and tops with pencil skirts or boyfriend jeans for a look that’s polished but fresh. Our own Simone Rocha was of course as innovative and original as ever, mixing ruffles with hairy fabric embellishment for a tribal, world-traveller feel.

To bring the ruffled trend into your wardrobe, it’s important to know which mood you want to inspire with your romantic ruffles. For a modern, casually chic ensemble, gently ruffled camisoles and blouses teamed with jeans and strappy heels are always in style. For a light, spring feel, stick with pastels and fresh floral designs, though if you’re going for a more sophisticated or lusty look, dark gothic blooms bring out the sensuality of the tactile trend.

Silhouette and shape are also vital to consider alongside your palette, as high necks can feel Victorian or prairie depending on the print and cue. Crisp white collars add a sharp, 19th-century sophistication, evoking the cultural

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idea of sexuality just dying to be freed. But less structured, flowing shapes in natural hues with floral detailing feel youthful and free-spirited. Get ready to ruffle some fashion feathers.

FLIRTY FEMININITY This spring sees the return of girlish romance, in all its delicate, hopeful glory. This embodiment of romance is not about pleasing men, but embracing the dreamy, innocent naiveté of love’s first blush, and we’re left weak at the knees by the gorgeous collections hitting the catwalks. Josep Font’s collection for Delpozo was pure, unadulterated femininity with a pink palette that ranged from bubblegum shades to unapologetically hot hues. These colours were embellished with romantic layers of tulle and floral details for some showstopping frocks. Jenny Packman also embraced a subtle romanticism in her dresses, opting for delicate pieces that segued seamlessly from sequin-encrusted midi dresses, to floral show-stoppers and delicately floaty separates. Meanwhile, Maxwell Osborne and DaoYi Chow unveiled their vision for DKNY after being appointed co-creative directors in April. Their womenswear collection was gorgeously girlie and utterly wearable, featuring flirty mini dresses, pink and floral pencil skirts teamed with blouses and crop-tops, and subtly sexy maxi dresses, all ready for some sensuality this Spring.

For your femme look, stick to delicate shades like pink, nude and white, with pastel accessories and floral details providing understated pops of complementary colour. To evoke the dreamy, frothy mood of this romantic holiday, stick to light fabrics with plenty of movement. Laser-cut and lace fabrics are modern and light, while wrap dresses and Grecian-inspired silhouettes have enough movement to show some leg while remaining sophisticated. Cute, floral patterns add some romance to traditional separates and soften classic shapes like pencil skirts, while traditional patent pumps and handbags are rendered irresistible in unexpectedly exquisite pastel shades.

Give some interest to short dresses by combining them with sandals with straps that turn your legs into works of art, and never underestimate the power of ethereal floral accessories to transform you into a romantic spring goddess.

ENT ER P R I S E|FASHION

(From top) Penny's sportswear, and two pieces form River Island

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Always two of literature’s sharper judges, Olaf Tyaransen and Paul Nolan select a few fine tomes to guide you through the spring...

Higgins: She's irreverent and funny as she recounts her adventures in New York

K AT H R I N B A U M B A C H

THE DROWNED DETECTIVE Neil Jordan (Bloomsbury) The follow-up to 2011’s lauded Mistaken is a scintillating thriller infused with elements of the supernatural which takes place in an unnamed eastern European city.

In this haunting novel we join our protagonist Jonathan (a private detective) who has business with the dead. The ghostly world which the expatriate operates in is one of political unrest and corruption.

Approached one day by an elderly couple, he is presented with a faded photograph of their daughter, missing for nearly two decades.

Troubled by the image of the little girl, who was the same age when she vanished as his own daughter is now, he is compelled to find her.

As the detective begins his investigation, we are brought on a journey which infiltrates the main character’s troubled domestic life and causes him to examine his own personal struggles.

Jordan has a wonderful way with language, skilfully creating an eerie and atmospheric world in which his cinematic eye brings the colourful characters and narrative vividly to life.

Themes of mortality, love, desire, deceit and regret intermingle to great effect in this compelling tome which remind us what a singular creative voice the author possesses.

Wonderful.

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T H E H I G H M O U N TA I N S OF PORTUGAL Yann Martel CANONGATE The fourth novel from the bestselling author of Life of Pi essentially comprises three interlinked novellas.

In Lisbon in 1904, a young man named Tomás discovers an old journal. It hints at the existence of an extraordinary artefact that — if he can find it — would redefine history.

Travelling in one of Europe’s earliest automobiles, borrowed from his wealthy uncle, he sets out in search of this strange treasure.

Thirty-five years later, a Portuguese pathologist devoted to the murder mysteries of Agatha Christie finds himself at the centre of a mystery of his own and drawn into the consequences of Tomás’s quest.

Five decades on, a Canadian senator takes refuge in his ancestral village in northern Portugal, grieving

THIS IS THE RITUAL Rob Doyle (Bloomsbury) Thirty-three-year-old Doyle caused a considerable splash 18 months ago with his debut novel, Here Are The Young Men, an uber-dark account of Dublin teens coming of age in the Celtic Tiger era.

Relentless nihilism is once again the order of the day in Doyle’s latest effort, the short story collection This Is The Ritual.

Like Bret Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk, Doyle imbues his bleak vision with black humour: opener ‘John Paul Finnegan, Paltry Realist’ is an hilarious pisstake of the James Joyce industry, told in a Joycean style; while ‘Martin Knows Me - The Lonely Struggle of David Haynes’ (one of three profiles of imaginary authors) is a similarly funny account

the loss of his wife. But he arrives with an unusual companion: a chimpanzee. And there the century-old quest will come to an unexpected conclusion.

Beautifully written, thoughtprovoking and often surprising, this is a masterful work.

Fans of Martel’s Man Booker Prize–winning novel will identify familiar themes from that seafaring phenomenon, but the journey in this imaginative new book is entirely fresh and Martel has only succeeded in making his writing more charming, if that’s possible.

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of a writer who develops a fixation with Martin Amis. Doyle can also do straightforward dystopian horror with aplomb - ‘No Man’s Land’, in which the depressed narrator finds a strange kind of peace by hanging around an industrial estate, is worthy of JG Ballard.

Doyle’s literature deals with life’s major themes: sex, mortality, guilt, shame, the meaning of existence.

Readers who enjoyed his debut novel will be pleased to find him much unchanged in these pages.

With This Is The Ritual, Doyle confirms his status as one of the leading talents amongst the new generation of Irish writers.

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THE NOISE OF TIME Julian Barnes (Jonathon Cape Publishing) In 1936 Stalin left during a performance of composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.

This was enough for Shostakovich to be condemned as an “enemy of the people” and hauled into the KGB. Julian Barnes’ latest novel, The Noise of Time, is a fictionalised biography of the Soviet composer. Barnes is interested in Shostakovich’s compromises with the authorities and the conflict between integrity and survival. Barnes concentrates on three key moments — 1936, 1948 when Stalin decides to send the composer on

a propaganda tour of America, and 1960 when Shostakovich is required to become a party member.

Shostakovich’s compromises tainted him in many eyes, but the novel asks us to consider what happens to the self when confronted by invincible power. Fittingly, the novel is beautifully composed and the story is constructed as a series of vignettes.

Barnes is a master of ficton; he creates whole living worlds in his prose. In spite of the remote period and place in which The Noise of Time is set, he has rendered the époque in exquisite and intimate detail.

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Forget worthy indie cult faves, we’re all about superstars and supergroups this season at Enterprise. Here are the heavyweights to soundtrack your spring...

The Gloaming: trad to the bone Rihanna: is her first album in four years worth the wait?

R I H A N N A Anti Rocnation At its core, Rhianna’s Anti is a vehicle which will be used to help her rebrand herself as a “serious artist”. Gone are the fairly brainless club bangers like ‘Shut Up And Drive’. In their place are occasionally wonderful ruminations on life as the world’s biggest pop star.

Anti opens with the trap-infused ‘Consideration’; it’s a bombastic way to begin a record. Though much of the music does feel oddly unfinished (‘James Joint’, ‘Never Ending’), RiRi’s sheer star power shines through regardless. The waltzing ‘50s torch song ‘Love On The Brain’ is a classic, as is the brooding, bass-heavy ‘Desperado’.

‘Woo’, which boasts squealing alt.rock guitars and spine-tingling distorted vocals, is another gem.

Was it worth the four-year wait? Many old-school Rihanna fans will say no, as this isn’t the anthem-laden LP they were hoping for. Many might miss the immediacy of ‘What’s My Name?’ or ‘Diamonds’. However, as a statement of intent, Anti is a defiant middle finger to industry expectations and, at its best, it’s an exciting, brave, slightly dangerous sounding delve into RiRi’s dark side. Welcome back Ms Fenty.

E LT O N J O H N Wonderful Crazy Night Virgin Arguably the most underrated major artist of the '70s, Elton John’s earlier triumphs have been unfairly judged in the light of some of his subsequent forays into slicker pop.

On albums like Tumbleweed Connection and Rock of The Westies, he explored his ongoing love of American roots music. On Wonderful Crazy Night, he returns to that sound and era. Recorded over two weeks in LA, the result is an organic, live-sounding and spontaneous collection. ‘In The Name Of You’ is a meaty, midtempo rocker, with characteristic pumping piano, Hammond organ and a strong vocal performance from the 68-year-old. ‘Claw Hammer’ smoulders with a kind of

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Southern swampy feel; the soulful slow-burner ‘Blue Wonderful’, a recent single, is almost on a par with past classics such as ‘Tiny Dancer’.

Elsewhere, ‘Looking Up’ is a blend of roadhouse rocker and honkytonk country with hints of his ‘70s hit ‘Bitch Is Back’ while acoustic guitars and light percussion backdrops ‘Tambourine’. More balladry comes with ‘The Open Chord’ which recalls his 1973 hit ‘Daniel’ while ‘I’ve Got 2 Wings’ is a convincing slice of pure Americana.

Elton hasn’t sounded as good in years.

THE GLOAMING The Gloaming 2 Real World This Irish supergroup consists of world-renowned fiddler Martin Hayes, sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, New York pianist Thomas Bartlett, Chicago-born guitarist Dennis Cahill, and fiddle innovator supreme Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh.

The resulting musical creation, entitled The Gloaming 2, is nothing short of astounding.

It’s trad, but not as we know it. The band take what are often standard Irish tunes, like ‘Repeal The Union’ and ‘The Old Favourite’ and tear them apart, before reconstructing the melody in small steps, adding layers of sound and fury as the song is reborn as a brand new entity entirely.

The magnificent ‘Cucanandy’ is the sound of The Gloaming at their best, the five distinct talents working in imperfectly perfect harmony: Ó Lionáird’s haunting voice is as pure and sweet an instrument as you could hope to imagine; Cahill has a remarkable talent to augment but never take over the tune; Bartlett’s punk piano noise terrorism; Hayes’ uncanny ability to make the simple sound revelatory and the unimaginably complex sound

remarkably simple; the otherworldly sounds of Ó Raghallaigh, who plays a fiddle like nobody else you have ever heard.

If you thought this traditional musical powerhouse had used up their best material on their eponymous 2014 debut, think again.

The force is strong in these ones.

KANYE WEST The Life Of Pablo Universial

Though Kanye West is undoubtedly a divisive figure, music fans will forgive their heroes just about anything if they produce the goods on record. Kanye’s seventh album, entitled The Life Of Pablo (named thus because West unsurprisingly sees parallels between himself and Picasso) is a superb album and one of his best to date.

It kicks off with ‘Ultra Light Beam’, a seductive mix of electro, crunching beats and gospel vocals.

For my money, ‘Father Stretch My Hand Part 2’ is the album’s strongest track. An utterly brilliant mix of thumping rhythms and squalling industrial synths, it’s a powerful reminder of West’s gifts – there are very few artists capable of making music as experimental as this palatable to a mass audience.

‘FML’, meanwhile, is another magnificent stylistic detour, with The Weeknd guesting on an irresistible house workout. There are more notable guests on ‘Wolves’, with Frank Ocean, Sia and Vic Mensa all contributing to a track that utilises spiralling electro rhythms to stunning effect.

West’s compulsion to announce his genius at every turn will no doubt remain too off-putting to some, but if you can get past the empty blather and shameless hype, there are plenty of musical treasures awaiting on The Life Of Pablo.

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This spring, Irish releases and Oscar nominees dominate the home box office, so you’ll be able to watch some of the bets of the year’s cinema from the comfort of your own home. From heartfelt emigration tales, chilly biopics and progressive dramas, Roe McDermott has selected the best DVDS.

B R O O K LY N [FOX SEARCHLIGHT]

There’s a poignant, chestswelling lyricism to Brooklyn; a visual ballad about immigration and home and love. Director John Crowley brings Colm Toibin’s words to the screen with deftness and grace, capturing the bustling sidewalks, candyfloss flavoured, pink-skied wonder of 1950s America; the reed-rustling, fresh-aired beauty of Ireland; and the struggle of a young woman torn between them. Saoirse Ronan’s eyes always manage to radiate an energy that’s forever on a precipice, constantly deciding between tears and steel. She’s the perfect choice for Eilis, a young Enniscorthy woman who leaves her mother (Jane Brennan) and sister (Fiona Glascott) to seek out work in New York. The emotional ambivalence Ronan summons is echoed by Crowley’s unsentimental portrayal of her journey. The sense of unease and unfamiliar evoked by the daunting cityscape of New York is an affecting metaphor for a woman suddenly faced with the potential of the world, and her own place within it. Two suitors (Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson) further complicate Eilis’ pull between her two homes, and her sense of self within them. The evergrowing emotional stakes, the realism of Eilis’ growth into a self-possessed woman and the influence of the superbly written supporting characters makes Brooklyn an oxygen-thinning ascent to a dramatic and powerful emotional climax. A slightly over-polished production design add a theatrical distance to a story that’s otherwise immersive.

STEVE JOBS

CAROL

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[Legendary]

[StudioCanal]

[Magnolia]

Over the course of Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs, Micheal Fassbender’s Jobs compares himself to Julius Caeser and God. Thankfully, Boyle and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin are much more ambivalent in their view of Apple’s iconic CEO. Charting three pivotal moments in his career, the film delves into the complexity of Jobs’ narcissism, and the childhood traumas that helped create a man who prized the predictability of machines above any human relationship.

Boyle and Sorkin’s film is not a documentary nor a biopic, more an attempt to capture the essence of Jobs; an essence with undertones of tortured genius, and heavy topnotes of sheer asshole. Fassbender is perfect in the lead; chilly, relentlessly rational and impervious to emotional pleas from erstwhile partner Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen) and ex-girlfriend Chrisann Brennan (Katherine Watson.) His daughter Lisa, who Jobs denied for years, becomes the one cheaply played note in the film. Though portrayed as a humanising force, his feelings for her remain unclear, subsumed under self-concern above all else. The supporting characters act as a humane foil to Jobs. Seth Rogen, in particular, is deeply empathetic as Jobs’ erstwhile partner Steve Wozniak, whose decency and work ethic is belied by the ruthless capitalism the film highlights and that Jobs comes to embody. Why we allow certain people to become winners is what Boyle leaves us musing.

Todd Haynes has always been a master of capturing the internal complexities of his characters, an internal conflict that is pressing in Carol. This adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel sees Carol (Cate Blanchett) and Therese (Rooney Mara) fall in love in the 1950s, when their romance could be their undoing. The two women embody not only different stages of life, but different stages of oppression. Therese, all youthful hope and naiveté, has yet to feel the crushing force of homophobia and the systematic erasure of her desires. All thirsty eyes and hungry heart, there’s a raw naturalism to Mara’s performance. Carol is more experienced and has more to lose, and so it’s not just her impeccable outfits that are carefully styled.

Her persona is one of rigorous control that veers between genteel manners and a pantomime of ladylike respectability that is initially jarring, and only as the two women become more intimate do Carol’s deep emotions and vulnerabilities reveal themselves. The camera moves with their relationship, initially shooting through panes of glass and from shooting a distance to signify the disconnect they feel from a world that doesn’t accept them, only to grow more intimate as they do. As the stakes grow higher and the thriller elements of Highsmith’s novels emerge, Haynes’ film becomes a striking cinematic achievement with themes that echo loudly today.

It’s Christmas Eve in a grubby corner of LA, and Sin-Dee and Alexandra are having a rough night. Sin-Dee has just discovered that her boyfriend cheated on her, and Alexandra can’t even get her friends to come watch her one-woman show. As the two quick-witted women strut and swagger their way through Los Angeles, their huge personalities and irreverent support of each other is utterly infectious. Oh, by the way: the two lead actresses are transgender women of colour, their characters are prostitutes, and the entire film was shot on an iPhone. These aspects of the down-and-dirty buddy film are both vitally important, yet are brilliantly made to feel tangential. Through their work and interactions with LA locals, SinDee and Alexandra are forced to constantly navigate their identity, and seek out moments of love, respect and affection. Baker’s deep affection for his characters’ humour and humanity is matched only by his love of Los Angeles.

Shot in luminescent saturated colours, Baker shows both the garish promise of dreams and the vibrant excitement that the city offers, as well as the grounded reality of multi-faceted disadvantage. Political, progressive, fun, flirty and emotional, Tangerine is like its title fruit: loud, bright, sweet and irresistibly fresh.

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Dublin & Belfast

ATTRACTIONS

A TALE OF TWO CITIES Sale of the century: Titanic Belfast

DUBLIN

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BELFAST

KILMAINHAM GAOL

THE DUBLIN GHOSTBUS TOUR

TITANIC BELFAST

TENNENT’S VITAL 2016

Inchicore Road, Kilmainham Dublin 8 Tel: (01) 4535984 heritageireland.ie

Departs from Dublin Bus Headquarters on O’Connell Street, Monday to Thursday at 8pm & 9pm Tel: (01) 7033028 Dublinsightseeing.ie/ghostbus

1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast Tel: +44 (0)2890766386 titanicbelfast.com

Various dates including August 29, Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast tennentsvital.com

For anyone interested in Irish history, Kilmainham Gaol is a mustsee. The gaol is intrinsically linked with the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence — the majority of the Irish leaders in the great popular rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were imprisoned there.

It now houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism. It is open 9.30am-6pm daily from April to September, and from Monday to Saturday, 9.30am-5.30pm from October to March.

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling ride tracing Dublin’s creepiest mysteries? The Dublin Ghost Bus Tour will take you on a spine-tingling, nerve-wracking journey of hair-raising frights.

This original thrill ride will bring you to Ireland’s infamous Hellfire Clubroom and the haunted museum downstairs. Learn about the origins of Dracula and its connection to Dublin City. Visit the haunted College of Surgeons and the 12th Century St. Audeon’s Church, and delve inside the creepy Christchurch crypts. The Dublin Bus Ghost Tour is a terrifyingly unique way to experience the city.

“It’s really quite phenomenal. It’s a magnificent dramatic building, the biggest Titanic exhibit in the world,” says Titanic director James Cameron, and we’re not about to disagree with him. The Titanic Belfast is an unmissable experience and since opening, thousands of visitors have thronged to the centre to learn about the history of the world’s most famous shipping disaster.

Titanic Belfast is open daily.

One of the biggest events of the year for northern Irish music fans, the annual Tennent’s Vital Festival returns to Boucher Playing Fields this August.

In recent years the Laganside festival has attracted massive names like Ellie Goulding, Foo Fighters, Florence & The Machine, The Killers and The Stone Roses. So the bar has been set very high for this year’s first wave of announcements. Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have been announced as this year’s headliners, are no doubt up for the challenge. The American rock giants are by now old hands at delivering the goods to crowds - more of the same and a little bit extra should be expected when they turn up to rock the jewel in the crown of Belfast’s music calendar.

Dublin & Belfast

RESTAURANTS

DINING OUT Plate expectations: Soder & Ko

BELFAST

DUBLIN CHAPTER ONE 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 873 2266 chapteronerestaurant.com Ross Lewis is right up there among the best chefs in the country. His attention to detail is astounding and he strives for perfection in anything and everything he does in Chapter One. Class shows in the enduring appeal of this Northside Dublin gem, with the chef’s table beside the kitchen the best seat in the house. Their four-course evening dinner menu is €70 and worth every cent.

THE CLIFF TOWNHOUSE 22 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 638 3939 theclifftownhouse.com The younger big-city sibling of Waterford’s Michelin-starred Cliff House Hotel, this art decostyle eatery offers food that’s as accomplished as the atmosphere is welcoming. Big on seasonal artisan ingredients, they do

particularly wondrous things with fish and seafood, the Dublin Bay Prawn Tempura and West Cork Scallops being among the musttries. The Oyster & Champagne Bar at the back is a great place to linger with friends and also boasts one of the best cocktaillists in town. It’s great value for the quality of fare on offer, with Sunday lunch running at just €25 for two courses, €30 for three.

SÖDER & KO 64 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 478 1590 soderandko.ie Fusion is for once not a dirty word in this Scandi-Asian restaurant, cocktail bar and late night hangout all rolled into one.

The various raw, dim sum and hot plates are designed to be shared, with a regularly changing chef’s section that always hits the spot.

THE BARKING DOG 33-35 Malone Road, Belfast.

Tel: (028) 9066 1885 barkingdogbelfast.com This laidback eatery smacks of a young, vibrant confidence exemplified by their no-nonsense menu and charming staff. The bare brick walls, wooden tables and quirky crockery is the backdrop for a procession of tapas dishes or gastropub staples like beer-battered fish and chips or a steak sandwich.

Look out for their set menu offering two-courses for £20 or three-course for £25 with choices including fish pie, beef shin burger or sweet potato ravioli.

DEANE’S MEAT LOCKER 24-40 Howard Street, Belfast.

Tel: (028) 9033 1134 michaeldeane.co.uk Michael Deane is one of the biggest names in food on this island and over the past decade he has been a huge influence on the eatingout scene in Belfast. He operates no less than seven restaurants, including this city centre flagship.

He’s done the Michelin Star thing

and won a rake of other awards for a restaurant in which the objective is to use local seasonal produce, delicately prepared and perfectly presented. Mission accomplished!

The £10 lunch plates are fantastic value for what is really top notch food. The cuisine shifts easily between Japanese, American, Italian and Irish influences.

LOVE & DEATH INC. 10A Ann Street, Belfast.

Tel: (028) 9024 7222, loveanddeathinc.com With the statement name and attention-seeking interior design quirks, it’s tempting to start thinking that this popular city centre joint is trying that little bit too hard. One look at the food and you’ll learn to ignore the hints of bang-on trend pretension. This is a nightclub, cocktail bar, restaurant and gallery.

While perfectly suited to dancing, knocking back drinks or gawking at arty curios, we suggest you visit for their kick-ass menu with turbocharged American-influenced bar snacks like gourmet hot dogs, Cajun chicken or mac ‘n’ cheese.

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A C C O M O D AT I O N

STAYING OVER ROB DURSTON

Overnight success: (clockwise from top) The Spa at the Merchant, Ten Square and the Westbury Bar

BELFAST DUBLIN THE WESTBURY HOTEL Clarendon Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 679 1122 doylecollection.com Dublin hotels don’t get much more central than The Westbury, an opulent five-star hotel overlooking Grafton Street’s buzzing shopping hub. Among its most fabulous attractions are the grand piano on The Terrace, a popular first floor meeting place for afternoon tea, the €1 million worth of Irish art acquisitions on display in The Gallery Lounge, the high art cuisine in the Wilde Restaurant and the 1920s-style glamour of The Marble Bar, which boasts black Nero Marquina marble, leather club chairs and an air of sophistication.

THE MORRISON Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 887 2400 morrisonhotel.ie An unmistakable hint of rock ‘n’ roll colours the air at The Morrison, the four-star Liffeyside hotel where a distinctive artistic aura gives nods to legendary Irish

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TEN SQUARE HOTEL musicians, bands and artists. This cultural theme can even be felt in the comfortable and stylish interiors, as certain bedrooms throughout the hotel find their décor complemented by famous Irish song lyrics. Don’t dare leave without a meal in the stylish but rustic Morrison Grill and a drink in Quay 14, the destination bar where cocktails are inspired by Classic Irish songs.

HARCOURT HOTEL Harcourt St. Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (1) 478 3677 Set across a number of old Georgian Houses, one of which was a former home of legendary Irish poet George Bernard Shaw, the Harcourt Hotel offers value for money in an excellent location.

Just beside the heart of Dublin’s buzzing nightlife, the hotel features Little Caesars Italian restaurant, a sports bar with a busy beer garden and their nightclub (Dtwo) below.

Bar food is served daily with sports shown on the big screen and drinks served well into the night.

10 Donegall Square Belfast BT15JD Tel: +44 (028) 902 41001 tensquare.co.uk Located in the heart of Belfast in no less than a Grade 1 listed building, Ten Square is a boutique hotel with a distinctively chic vibe. Just a step out of the door will take you to the historic City Hall, Waterfront Hall, the business district and the Victoria Square shopping district. Facilities within the hotel include comfy over-sized beds, free Wi-Fi, power showers and in-room entertainment.

If that’s not quite enough for you, you can enjoy excellent dining in the Grill Room Restaurant & Bar ­— an elegant and vibrant joint that offers fresh northern Irish beef along with seafood and vegetarian options.

Rates per room begin at £79.

BENEDICTS OF BELFAST 7-21 Bradbury Place, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast.

Tel: +44 (0)28 9059 1999 info@benedictshotel.co.uk This boutique hotel’s central location means that you’re right on the pulse of Belfast’s vibrant city scene. Each bedroom is individually styled by Irish designer Eamon Carberry and boasts the

ultimate creature comforts that include 600-thread Egyptian cotton sheets. This upscale hotel is also home to one of Belfast’s most popular restaurants; from Portavogie haddock to McAtamney beef, this eatery offers an eclectically modern restaurant menu whilst maintaining their commitment to use only the finest local produce. Benedict’s Bar is also one of the city’s most frequented hotspots for the best of live entertainment.

THE MERCHANT 16 Skipper Street Belfast BT1 2DZ Tel: +44 (0) 28 9023 4888 info@themerchanthotel.com Housed in a former bank, this art-deco hotel’s style is a mélange of 1970’s lavishness and Victorian decadence. The kind of establishment where guests can book the resident Rolls-Royce Phantom for an afternoon, luxury is a byword with The Merchant.

The Champagne Lounge is one of four bars that guests have to choose from, while The Great Room Restaurant offers a five-star finedining experience. The spa and roof-top gym combine to make this one of the most stand-out stays in northern Ireland.

DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

Midweek Breaks

(Sunday to Thursday inclusive) With NIR Travel Staying at the Harcourt Hotel Fashionable City Centre Hotel slose to Grafton St and St. Stephen’s Green.

Your break includes:

Return rail from any NIR Station. 2 nights Bed & Breakfast. 3 Course Early Bird Dinner on one evening in the elegant 1900 (Nineteen Hundred) Retaurant.

March / April £108 • May to October £123 certain exclusion date but you will be advised at the time of booking.

For reservations contact NIR Travel call 028 90 242420 (office hours Monday to Friday & Saturday Morning) NIR Travel 10-12 Glengall St. Belfast. www.harcourthotel.ie