Travel Ireland - January 2014

T ra el IRELAND £1/€1.20 FREE with The Irish Post

February 2014

the Wild West Explore the Wild Atlantic Way Ireland’s spectacular new coastal touring route

SEE MORE OF IRELAND WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR CAR.

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There’s more to see and even more to do in Ireland when you take your car with Irish Ferries. Choose better sailing times. Choose the fastest crossing.

Choose more routes to Ireland than anyone else.

Get more out of Ireland when you book today with Irish Ferries. Great Choice.

Book now at irishferries.com or call 08717 300 400 2

From ÂŁ69 online fare for you and your car is available for travel up to 17 Dec 2014 and is valid for midweek travel (Tues & Wed) on night cruise ferry departures on Holyhead & Pembroke services.

Must be booked min. 60 days in advance of travel date. New bookings only. Calls cost 10p per minute plus network costs.

Welcome to Pedal Power Giro d’Italia rides into town ______________________________p4-5 Make a break for it A guide to the best city breaks _____________________________ p6-9 Set a course due North Sample the delights of Northern Ireland ____________________ p10 The Wild Atlantic Way Discover the Emerald Isle’s new coastal touring route ____ p11-15 The Causeway Coastal Route Carry on your driving adventure

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA: An old quay side fisherman statue in Kinsale, Co. Cork

___________________________ p16

Get Involved!

Action-packed holiday ideas _ p17 A cultural debut A look at Limerick’s many charms

___________________ p18-19 A banquet for all Tempting food lovers of all tastes ________ p20-21 Rest assured Where to stay __ p22

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22 teams with nine riders each will travel to the island of Ireland for the start of the Giro d’Italia

Pedal Power This year’s Giro d’Italia will begin outside continental Europe – in Belfast

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he Giro d’Italia is one of the world’s three great cycle races. Along with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España it represents the ultimate test for professional cyclists, being a combination of time trials, long distance races and hill climbs. The race takes place the length and breadth of Italy, with the start usually in a neighbouring cycling superpower such as France or Spain. This year, for the first time, the start of the race will take place outside continental Europe in Belfast.

Thus the cities join the likes of Nice, Monte Carlo, the Vatican City and Amsterdam in the annals of cycling history.

Ireland has a long, illustrious record in professional cycling with winners in all three of the major competitions – including Stephen Roche who won the Giro in 1987. Belfast is also the cradle of the invention that, arguably, turned cycling into the worldwide sport it is today – the

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IN THE PINK: The world’s best cyclists will be vying for the pink jersey

pneumatic tyre.

Thus the honour of beginning this prestigious race in Belfast and then journeying along the coastline is well deserved.

The 2014 Giro will begin with 22 teams boasting nine riders per team.

Each team is made up of a leader and ‘the maidservants’, the riders who do everything humanly possible to get their man into the pink jersey, the Giro’s version of the Le Tour’s yellow jersey.

This year the first day, May 9, will feature a team time trial that includes some of Belfast’s foremost landmarks – Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, Stormont, Queen’s Bridge, the Ormeau Road, Stranmillis and back into Belfast city centre. The Saturday leg on May 10 is a 218km cycle that starts on Belfast’s Antrim Road. The start will be close to Belfast Zoological Gardens, but the riders won’t have time to say hello to the penguins and camels. It’s straight up to Antrim,

Back in 1987, the Giro’s famous ‘Maglia Rosa’ — the winner’s pink jersey — was brought home to Ireland by Stephen Roche

EN ROUTE: The riders will pass many places of historic interest such as Belfast’s Titanic Experience

then to Ballymena and Bushmills – where the cyclists probably won’t stop for a drink at the world’s oldest distillery. Whiskey and cycling at speeds in excess of 80mph don’t really mix.

The race will then take in part of the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, including the Giant’s Causeway and the coastline from Cushendall to Larne. It’s then on to Whitehead and Carrickfergus and back to Belfast. On day three, Sunday 11, the final stage of the Ireland leg, the

‘Cycling is the ideal way to see Ireland – as those professional cyclists in the Giro d’Italia will be only too pleased to tell you’ riders will embark on a 187km cross border section. The peloton will leave the historic old centre of Armagh city, travel to Richhill and Newtownhamilton before heading south, crossing the border at Forkhill en route to Dublin via Dundalk, Castlebellingham and Drogheda.

The peloton will speed through villages and towns such as

Keady, Hamiltonsbawn, Markethill, Dunleer, Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Malahide, Portmarnock and Clontarf. From Dublin, the 200 riders or so will then head for Giovinazzo on southern Italy’s Adriatic coast (by plane), and 19 days later the final stage will be from Gemona to Trieste on June 1.

Of course you don’t need to be a Stephen Roche or a Sean Kelly to cycle in Ireland. Every county on the island has byways and cycle paths that pass through some of the most perfect landscape for cyclists. The Kingfisher Trail in the northwest of the island stretching some 300miles inland is the longest in the country. Its quiet roads and leafy laneways skirt the Shannon-Erne Waterway. In the slowly undulating countryside of this border region, cycling is a rarefied pleasure.

The Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo is predominantly flat, 42kms long and almost traffic free. Following the route of the old Westport to Achill Island railway line, it hugs the Atlantic coast along Clew Bay and is now one of the West of Ireland’s most popular walking and cycling routes.

But everywhere on the island provides spectacular bicycle routes. Cycling is the ideal way to see the island of Ireland – as those professional cyclists in the Giro d’Italia will be only too pleased to tell you. Roads, particularly those picked out by the official cycling routes, are practically devoid of traffic. Apart from the obvious wear and tear on your legs and other body parts, it is an ideal way to travel. Pedalling only two to three hours a day, even the moderately fit will cover upwards of 20miles in a day – and the feeling as you dismount after a long sojourn in the saddle is truly satisfying.

It’s the sort of experience long term memories are made of.

Tyre tales on the island While in Ireland the peloton of the Giro d’Italia will pass a seminal site in the history of cycling. A local cyclist Willie Hume, 125 years ago on May 18, 1889, took part in a series of races at the Cricket Ground on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, which arguably changed the course of cycling history.

Willie wasn’t considered one of the better cyclists at the time, but that day he won all of the races he entered – solely because he was the first competitor to use pneumatic tyres. These had been recently invented by Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop, who had set up business locally in Belfast.

Willie’s tyres were fitted on the unfashionable safety bike, the forerunner of all modern bikes. The likes of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France were now firmly on the cards!

KNOW YOUR PLACE: Each team has ‘maidservants’ – riders whose sole job is to assist their leader

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A vibrant and progressive city, Cork was the 2005 European Capital of Culture

Make a break for it

REFLECTIVE GLORY: Lee Side in Cork

There’s never been a better time to seize the day, pack a bag and enjoy a city break on the island of Ireland

Cork History, drama and colour lurks round every corner of Cork City. The capital of ‘the Rebel County’ has been a centre of excellence for pirates, highway robbers and general ne’er-dowells, since before Viking times. But all is quiet now in this westerly outpost where Europe slips serenely into the Atlantic.

The 21st century has seen Cork metamorphose into a handsome metropolis, with fine pubs and classy restaurants, theatres and concert venues.

Today, this vibrant southerly city boasts street cafes and contemporary clubs, fiddle-playing buskers, backstreet Bohemianism, some fab restaurants and top-notch boutique hotels.

Cork is a compact, hilly place, with the sound of bells ringing across the city – and this is SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON: The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals.

probably one of the few places where you can ring them yourself, at St. Ann’s in Shandon, to be exact. Here for a small fee you can toll out your own version of Danny Boy from the belltower – although if you manage the Cork national anthem, The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee, you’ll probably get a round of applause.

WHAT’S ON ■ THE IRISH OPEN returns to Fota Island Resort in Cork this summer for the first time in 12 years – June 19-22 ■ CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL - Ireland’s biggest Jazz event – October 24-27 ■ CORK WEEK – Ireland’s longest running and most prestigious regatta at Royal Cork Yacht Club. Not just about the sailing there’s also live music, a gala dinner and other entertainment to enjoy for the thousands who take part – July 5-11

Galway It’s the city of the Galway Races, oyster festivals, arts festivals and more music pubs and traditional sessions than you could reasonably shake a bodhrán stick at.

The first mention of Galway proper in recorded history came in 1247 when contemporaneous annals mention that the ‘Irish in Connacht rose and burned the town and castle of Galway’. So weekends have always been a bit hairy down here, then.

After 1247 things obviously started to look up a bit, and Galway’s stone quays, noble walls and narrow streets have seen continental traders landing

their wares, and merchant sailors venturing forth into deep waters. Christopher Columbus celebrated Mass in the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, Ireland’s largest medieval church,

Film Fleadh The Galway Film Fleadh – Ireland’s leading film festival, is a six-day International film event held every July and welcomes a mad diversity of filmmaking from around the world. The Fleadh is very much a film lovers’ festival, and attracts directors, actors, cinematographers and artists of all generations and cultural backgrounds.

Now in its 26th year, the central goal of the Galway Film Fleadh remains unchanged: to bring together audiences and filmmakers within an intimate environment, and share a common experience - the wonder of cinema.

The Fleadh’s diverse audience is made up of the general cinema-going public, film buffs, student filmmakers, industry professionals and invited guests.

Past guests have included Martin Sheen, Brendan Gleeson, Anjelica Huston, Michael Fassbender, Peter O’Toole, Jessica Lange, Jeremy Irons, Maureen O’Hara, Pierce Brosnan and Saoirse Ronan to name but a few.

In addition to its celebrated programme of the best in Irish and world cinema the Fleadh also presents a series of masterclasses, public interviews, debates and seminars.

■ The 26th Galway Film Fleadh will take place from July 8-13 and the call for feature film submissions is now open.

See www.galwayfilmfleadh.com for more details.

Over 150,000 people attend the Galway Races week-long festival every year

founded in 1320. He will doubtless have been impressed by Galway’s nightlife, which continues unabated to this day. Traditional pubs such as Tigh Neachtain on Quay Street jostles for space amongst the tight tangle of streets in the city centre with music venues such as Róisín Dubh or The Spanish Bar. And if it’s seafood you’re after, Galway’s restaurants are any gourmet or gastronaut’s dream.

WHAT’S ON ■ GALWAY INTERNATIONAL OYSTER & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – This is one of Ireland’s oldest food festivals having been established in 1954. Over three million oysters have been washed down to date so why not head to Galway for this year’s festival, which also features the World Oyster Opening title as part of the Oyster Olympics – September 25 - 28

Armagh It was once at the very centre of Europe with its great teaching monastery and missionary abbey and today Armagh City, the ecclesiastical centre of Ireland, is a tranquil, untroubled city, dreaming perhaps of its glory days in the 5th century when St Patrick established his mission there.

History here clings to you like burrs, with echoes of St. Patrick, Brian Ború, Queen Macha, the Book of Armagh and the Cardinal Archbishops of Ireland all around.

Of course all that history has left behind a few ghosts from the past – and indeed ghost tours are held throughout the year, winding their way through the centuries old streets, through handsome Georgian avenues, and stopping by various historical sites to hear tales and

stories of the darker and spookier side of Armagh’s past.

Technology and science get a look in too. The Armagh Observatory boasts one of the oldest stargazers in the world, the Troughton Equatorial Telescope, built in 1795. Next door, the Planetarium features a state-of-the-art Hall of Astronomy, an Eartharium, and an Astropark.

After a visit here, the secrets of the universe won’t be quite so secret.

WHAT’S ON ■ BRIAN BORU FESTIVAL – The Ancient Cathedral City of Armagh is the burial place of Brian Boru who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf. 2014 is the 1,000th year anniversary of his death and a series of events including a warrior re-enactment and a Viking village are planned – April 22-May 4.

BATHED IN LIGHT: A panoramic view of Armagh

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The Newry and Mourne area is renowned as the stomping ground of the mythical hero Cuchulainn.

WHAT’S ON ■ NEWRY DRAMA FESTIVAL – 10 nights of plays with drama groups from across Ireland, March 20 - 29 ■ GUINNESS BLUES – Visit nearby Warrenpoint for the 16th annual International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival – May 21-26 VIEW FROM A BRIDGE: Newry in Co. Down

Newry Newry, along with Lisburn, is Ireland’s newest city, gaining that status only in 2002. But despite its new title, this is a very ancient place, boasting connections with St Patrick and Edward the Bruce. It was a staging post for Shane O’Neill, the power base for Maurice McLoughlin King of Ireland, and a centre for the Anglo-Normans.

Jonathan Swift regularly preached in the Anglican church in the town, and even wrote a short poem about the place: “High church, low steeple, Dirty streets, proud people.”

Today Newry is a renowned centre

for traditional music, with some of the longest-running sessions on the island still going at full thrash. In recent times it has also become something of a focus for shoppers from both sides of the border.

In addition to the charms of the city itself, Newry is a wonderful centre for touring round the magnificent surrounding countryside. Three great mountain ranges stand in close proximity – the Mountains of Mourne, the Cooleys, and the Slieve Gullion range. Newry stands at the head of Carlingford Lough, and is a centre for all manner of marine activities including fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising.

Waterford

TELLING STORIES

Galway Film Fleadh 8th-13th July 2014

GET THE COMPLETE PICTURE

26th GALWAY FILM FLEADH 8-13 JULY 2014 WWW.GALWAYFILMFLEADH.COM

This year Waterford celebrates 1,100 years since the city’s foundation by Vikings in 914 AD and there’s plenty on offer over the coming months to celebrate its status as Ireland’s oldest city.

Don’t miss the two day midsummer festival on June 21-22, where historical themes will be the order of the day with everything from medieval fares and Norman knights.

Development of the city’s Viking Triangle, a cultural and historical quarter, is also now complete and features the Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum and Reginald’s Tower.

Nobody knows for certain where the blaa comes from. But this doughy white bread bun – which shouldn’t be confused with a bap – is standard fare in Waterford. And now it has special EU status along with Champagne, Feta cheese, Parma ham and several other protected goods. So, for instance, if you happen to be in Venice and see a blaa for sale – you can be sure it’s not a genuine one.

Aside from this culinary specialty, Waterford has much to offer.

Throughout the world people know the name of Waterford because of the crystal – and the intriguing story of this internationally famous glass can be heard at House of Waterford Crystal.

SELLING STORIES

Galway Film Fair 10th–12th July 2014

PICTURE THIS: The Sproai Festive in Waterford

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Waterford City was founded by Viking traders in 914

VIKING HERITAGE: Bishop’s Palace Museum, Waterford

Waterford is also the venue for the Spraoi festival (this year from August 1-4) which attracts over 100,000 people. The streets of the ancient city – it is the oldest city in Ireland – act as a stage for acts from around the world.

Beginning as a medieval settlement, Waterford has spread out over many, many generations to incorporate ancient villages and districts.

These now form distinctive areas within the city, such as the Viking triangle near Reginald’s Tower. Narrow laneways, tranquil surroundings and late-night dining has made this a fine place to soak up old Waterford’s atmosphere.

WHAT’S ON ■ WATERFORD VIKING MARATHON - June 28 ■ THE SEAN KELLY TOUR OF WATERFORD (a leisure cycle with over 6,000 participants based in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford) – August 23-24

Wonderful Wexford Located on the most southeasterly tip of Ireland, is the gem that is Co. Wexford.

Wexford boasts 221kms of coastline featuring golden sandy beaches, rocky headlands, cliffs, beaches and nature preserves. The county is dotted with historic towns, amazing natural beauty and is rich in heritage and culture.

The physical beauty of the landscape is not to be missed; the pretty coastal villages speckled with thatched cottages are a sight to behold. Visit the peaceful fishing village of Kilmore Quay and take a short trip to the Saltee Islands, taking in the sea life whilst gaining an alternate view of the rugged coastline.

There is probably no better place to begin in Wexford than with its rich and varied history.

It’s a county filled with heritage featuring some of the finest castles and historic sites in Ireland from the world’s

oldest operations lighthouse at Hook Head to the restored Enniscorthy Castle in the heart of Enniscorthy town, a home to Anglo Norman royalty, Gaelic Irish lords and English gentry down through the centuries.

Tintern Abbey is a magnificent example of a 17th century Abbey, now home to the wonderful restored Colclough Gardens, the John F. Kennedy Homestead in New Ross and the Dunbrody Famine Shipe plus The Irish National Heritage Park, offers an unexpected adventure into 9,000 years of ancient Ireland. Theseare just some of the highlights.

The ‘craic and the ceol’ will ensure that you leave Wexford with a warm, welcoming feeling ensuring a return visit.

■ For all you need to know about holidaying in Wexford see www.visitwexford.ie

STEP BACK IN TIME: Ferns Castle, Wexford

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The iconic Belfast City Hall was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas and completed in 1906

Set a course…

C

linging to the very edge of Europe, Northern Ireland is a land apart with a distinct history.

Its landscape — scarred by millions of years of belligerent weather — is home to Neolithic graves, cairns and dolmens some 5,000 years old.

The Giant’s Causeway in Antrim is arguably even older, going back to the time when banshees, monsters and giants roamed the earth. This complex, volatile, beautiful, bombastic place has an ancient feel to it. If you want to experience the island as she used to be, head for a land where tourists have only just begun coming back to — a land of lavishly spectacular glens and mountains, quiet rural backwaters and warm welcoming people.

LOUGH ERNE Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh is a nirvana for anglers of all abilities, as well as a centre for sailing, cruising, kayaking and canoeing.

The two loughs, Upper and Lower, are home to hundreds of islands, some with prehistoric remains, some with early Christian remnants, others just equipped with tranquil

surroundings that provide ideal conditions for getting the picnic hamper out.

Devenish Island, some 4km from Enniskillen, has the most extensive relics of early Christian settlement, complete with round tower, monastery and shrines.

ST PATRICK’S GRAVE At St Patrick’s Grave in Downpatrick, Co. Down, you get three saints for the price of one.

According to legend in the grounds of Down Cathedral Ireland’s other two patron saints, Brigid and Colmcille, take their eternal rest beside the Apostle of Ireland.

From the graveside you get a fine view down the valley to Inch Abbey, an old Cistercian establishment, so picturesque that it’s been the

OWN, NEWCASTLE, CO. D ND NORTHERN IRELA 14 27–29 JUNE 20 rnational on the Mourne Inte For further details se contact: Walking Festival plea Down District Council artment The Recreation Dep tre Downshire Civic Cen Downshire Estate d Roa s glas Ard 6GQ Downpatrick BT30

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0800 T: +44 (0)28 4461 ing.co.uk E: info@mournewalk ing.co.uk

www.mournewalk

Victorian splendour. Behind its finely crafted snob screens you can relax and tuck into sausages, champ and Guinness. For further relaxation, contemplate some consumption of the pub’s golden top shelf, a good seven yards of blended malts.

TOLLYMORE FOREST PARK Tollymore in Co. Down is the oldest state-owned forest park on the island.

This haven of rare plants and Victorian follies, serene walks and a Gothic church that’s actually a barn which now contains a café and visitor information. The forest also supplied the oak wood for the Titanic’s main staircase, and much of its fixtures and fittings.

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS: Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co. Antrim

Walk this way…

star of the silver screen.

BELFAST’S MURALS Belfast’s murals have been 40 years in the making and are certainly impressive. In a spirit of even-handedness, see if you prefer the loyalist murals in East Belfast or the Shankill Road. But probably best to keep the verdict to yourself.

BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY Whiskey is an Irish word, so no surprise about its long history in Ireland. Treat yourself to a dram in the world’s oldest distillery in Bushmills, Co. Antrim.

THE WALLS OF DERRY Enclosing the world’s most northerly Catholic city, the history of this haunting city is etched in these old walls, amongst the most complete anywhere in Europe.

TYRONE’S STANDING STONES Stop off at the Creggan Visitor Centre and ask for directions to the 44 monuments of prehistoric significance within a five mile radius of the centre. Neolithic tombs, cairns, and standing stones — some adorned with the ancient Ogham script.

THE CROWN LIQUOR SALOON The Crown in Great Victoria Street, Belfast, is without doubt one of the great bars of the world, a gem of

Preparations are now in full swing for the Mourne International Walking Festival, which takes place from June 27-29 in Newcastle, Co Down — just an hour from Belfast.

Located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the festival is now in its 16th year and is a wellestablished part of the walking festival calendar in Northern Ireland.

The festival is the ideal time to discover the delights of the area, sample the excellent local cuisine, enjoy traditional music and some wonderful walking.

Over the three days there will be walks on offer to suit all levels of experience and fitness with lowland routes ranging from 10-40km, making use of public rights of way, roads and tracks. For those who prefer to walk the higher Mournes there will be a mountain hike and ramble. The mountains are unique with the peaks grouped together, stretching 24kms from Newcastle to Rostrevor, sweeping down to the sea at both places. The Mournes are also famous for the Mourne Wall, a 35km dry stone wall crossing 15 summits.

The highlight of the weekend is the ‘Blister Ball’ on the Saturday night.

Contact Down District Council on 028 4461 0800 or visit www.mournewalking.co.uk for more details.

Mind your language...Wild Atlantic Way in Irish is Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin

Wild Atlantic Way…

I

N March the Irish Government opens the Wild Atlantic Way, a trail stretching over 2,500km from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal to Kinsale in Co. Cork — the longest defined coastal touring route in the world.

The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first longdistance touring route, stretching along the

Atlantic coast and taking in some of the country’s most iconic sights.

However, don’t imagine that a huge sweeping highway running down Ireland’s westerly

fringes has been constructed. No major road engineering works have taken place to construct this route and, of course, so much the better. The purpose of the trail is to produce a cohesive itinerary for visitors, signposted with recommendations of discovery points — with enhanced viewing points and interpretive boards. It also aims to let the

Continued over ➧

Eagle Island Lighthouse in Co. Mayo

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The Wild Atlantic Way route stretches for over 2,500km along Ireland's western seaboard

The DRIVE of your life visitor know what is available along the route — culture, heritage, food, adventure — and of course the people.

From Cork to Connemara and beyond, the route passes great sea cliffs, pastel-painted villages, traditional music pubs, misty islands and ancient monuments. The route also aims to provide information on activities you can take part in along the way — hiking, biking, water sports, fishing and so on.

In Donegal, the route naturally takes in Malin Head, the most northerly point on the Irish mainland. Donegal’s featured discovery points include the pugnacious coastline stretching from Dunfanaghy down to Killybegs, and passing by the Aran Islands and the Slieve League Cliffs.

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Sligo Bay is every bit as spectacular, where dolphin and whale-spotting trips almost elect themselves as discovery points. Or you might want to stretch the legs by following the Streedagh Spanish Armada Walk. This fascinating slice of Irish (and Anglo-Spanish history) is vividly brought to life here — with spectacular scenery as a dramatic backdrop.

Mayo and Galway both have rugged coastlines, craggy mountains and lonely moorlands where the bog-cotton dances in the breeze. Galway remains one of the most culturally aware cities in these islands, with art festivals, music recitals, local food festivals and traditional sessions aplenty.

In Clare the Wild Atlantic Way threads its way along a

It runs from Donegal to Cork through Connemara, the Burren, Galway Bay and Kerry, making it one of the longest defined coastal drives in the world

The Dingle Peninsula, Coumeenole Beach

●

●BUNBEG

LETTERKENNY

● DERRY

Route: Inishowen Peninsula Derry to Letterkenny 197km

●DONEGAL

Route: Fanad Head Letterkenny to Bunbeg 163km

Route: The Slieve League Coast Bunbeg to Donegal Town 170km

●

Route: Sligo and Donegal Bays Donegal Town to Ballina 192km

● BALLINA

BELMULLET

Route: Erris Ballina to Belmullet 213km

●

● CLIFDEN

Route: Clew Bay and Achill Island Belmullet to Westport 238km

WESTPORT

THE ROUTE ● GALWAY

Route: Killary Harbour Westport to Clifden 165km

coastline that has inspired songs, poetry and great art. And small wonder. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are both unique discovery points, and the grandeur of the landscape would awaken the muse in anyone.

Co. Clare’s peaceful country roads seem to bleed with fuchsia, or that wanderer of a plant, the orange montbretia, in the spring and summer. These laneways and boreens lead to deserted beaches and invigorating cliff-top walks.

The Loop Head Drive is one of the many spectacular parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. This narrow peninsula at the mouth of the Shannon affords fantastic views of the ocean doing its huge jacuzzi party trick. Huge Atlantic rollers, which have had 3,000 miles to pick up speed, smash into miles of sheer granite cliffs. A natural Wild Atlantic Way discovery point is Loop Head Lighthouse. One of Europe’s most westerly navigational beacons, from here you’ll get stupendous views of the

Kerry Mountains in the far south, the Aran Islands to the North, and behind them the Twelve Bens of Connemara.

Out at the very end of the peninsula, the white letters É-I-R-E are cut into the grassy cliff top, a relic from World War II, to be seen from the air.

The Ring of Kerry is naturally an integral part of the route. The road, recently voted one of the top scenic drives in the world by the National Geographic, circumnavigates 110 spectacular miles (180km) around the Iveragh Peninsula.

Just round the coast, the Beara Peninsula and the Lakes of Killarney are a truly aweinspiring part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Meanwhile, the town of Dingle, or An Daingean Uí Chúis, is an ideal stopping off point — it is after all, Europe’s most westerly town, the home of Fungi the dolphin, numerous cosy pubs and innumerable traditional sessions.

In Clare the Wild Atlantic Way threads its way along a coastline that has inspired songs, poetry and great art

Route: Connemara Clifden to Galway City 176km Route: West Clare and The Burren Galway City to Kilkee 164km Route: The Shannon Estuary Kilkee to Tralee 216km Route: The Dingle Peninsula Tralee to Castlemaine 150km Route: Ring of Kerry Castlemaine to Kenmare 175km

● KILKEE

Route: Sheep’s Head to Beara Kenmare to Durrus 210km

● TRALEE ● CASTLEMAINE

Route: West Cork Durrus to Kinsale 207km

This voucher is to take part in a boat based whale and dolphin watching trip off the southwest Cork coast on board the fast, comfortable, twin-engine catamaran, Voyager, built specifically for whale and dolphin watching in the waters off West Cork.

Whales and dolphins that we regularly see off

southwest Cork include common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, fin whales and humpback whales — not all at the same time though and at different times of the year The best time for whale watching off west Cork is from May through to the end of November.

Voucher No: ....................................................

To:....................................................................

From: ...............................................................

● KENMARE

No of People: ........ Valid until:........................

Special Message: ...........................................

● KINSALE

........................................................................ ........................................................................

● DURRUS

To redeem this voucher please contact Whale Watch West Cork on the following: Tel: 00 353 86 120 0027 Email: nic@whale.ie Web: www.whalewatchwestcork.com

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Discover giant swells of up to 100ft as huge Atlantic rollers crash onto surfing strands along Ireland’s wild western seaboard

Catch A WAVE along the way From page 13 ➧

The final leg of the route is through Cork. The landscape of West Cork, where Europe slips serenely into the Atlantic, is mild, not so wild, and full of rolling hills clumpy trees and subtle greens. Every headland is dotted with scenic harbours and fishing villages done out in pastel shades.

Mizen Head is the most southerly part of the mainland of Ireland, and is basically where Europe comes to an abrupt The end. Here the landscape gets more rugged, and the Mild Wild Atlantic Atlantic Way segues back into the Wild Atlantic Way. Way is expected to Steep cliffs and crags, which are regularly battered rival many of the wellby belligerent storms, mark the westerly limit of known long distance Munster rule and EU writ. The very necessary driving routes around lighthouse at Mizen Head can be reached by a the world, such as the suspension bridge across a rocky chasm.

The route then winds its way past Cork’s towns and Great Ocean Road in villages, and finally into Kinsale, where you’ll find Australia and the some of Ireland’s finest restaurants.

Garden Route in The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance South Africa. driving route and it truly is spectacular. You can travel in either direction, do parts of it in isolation or, much better, take a week or 10 days and discover — or rediscover — the charms of a gnarled and twisted coastline, of villages and towns bursting with character, as well as ancient and thought-provoking landscapes.

Surfing at Louisburgh in Co. Mayo

Hotel Westport’s Wild Atlantic Way Challenge!

In conjunction with Clew Bay Bike Hire

Get out there and be active!

I 2 Night’s B&B plus the Wild Atlantic Way Challenge I Challenge includes Full Day Bike Hire, Half Day Kayaking Tour, Free T-Shirt and Certificate of Completion I Complimentary use of leisure facilities I Free Wifi I Free Car Parking Suitable for Groups, Families and Individuals Prices starting from €165pps

hotelwe sport is... … 45 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock … a five minute walk into the heart of Westport Town … the nearest hotel to the 42km Great Western Greenway … adjacent to Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park … is the ideal base to explore Mayo, Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way

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Contact us now for further details Call + 44 98 25122 or email reservations@hotelwestport.ie www.hotelwestport.ie Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Off Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula lies the wonders of Skellig Michael. Near the 213metre summit of this 1,300 year old attraction is a collection of 'beehive' monastic cells

Lots for music lovers along the Wild Atlantic Way This year Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s greatest Irish traditional music festival, takes place in Sligo, Ireland’s north western capital, between August 10-17.

Over 400,000 visitors are expected for what will be a musical jamboree of concerts, pub and street music sessions as well as cultural events.

From major international acts to up-and-coming musicians, niche performances to the free outdoor concerts at the Fleadh gig rig, there’s plenty to offer the music enthusiast, whether you’re a budding musician, experienced Fleadh campaigner or just someone who wants to get up close with some of Ireland’s most

vibrant culture.

In addition, visitors will also get a flavour of the wonderful holiday experiences that Sligo has to offer.

Renowned for soaring landscapes which inspired the poetry of W.B. Yeats, Sligo’s stunning scenery now attracts a growing number of people interested in the great outdoors. A world famous surf spot, as well as a destination of choice for families visiting its blue flag beaches, there’s lots to see and do, and all of it within a short drive of Fleadh central.

Sligo also has close links with the evolution of Irish traditional music, and the early recordings of fiddle players such as Michael Coleman brought the county’s music to the FUN TIME: world. Nowadays close connection Youngsters enjoy with homegrown groups like the Fleadh Dervish mean that those ties remain as strong as ever.

Everyone is invited to take in the Sligo Fleadh experience, and when you do, stay a while. You’ll more than likely be back soon! See www.FleadhCheoil.ie for details.

IRELAND D Luxuryy Selff Cateringg onn Westt Coastt Comfortt andd Affordabilityy upless Forr Families,, Groupss andd Cou To Tailor your Holiday Call Sandra 00 353(0)9541844 www.cc-cottages.com 15

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile trail of outstanding scenic drives and attractions in Northern Ireland

Carry on Driving… …along the Causeway Coastal Route

The Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim at sunset

www.oideas-gael.com

IRELAND’S LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Adultt Irishh Languagee Courses All learning levels - weekend & week-long

Culturall Activityy Holidays • Hill Walking in the Donegal Highlands • Archaeology • Environment & Culture • Digital Photography • Marine Painting • Flute & Whistle • Beat the Bodhrán • Irish Harp • Tapestry Weaving

T

he Causeway Coastal Route, aka the Antrim Coast Road, is reckoned to be one of the most spectacular routes in the world, in the same company as the San Bernardino Pass in the Alps or the Monterey-Carmel coast road in California.

Highlights include the Carrick-aRede Rope Bridge, the Glens of Antrim, the fairytale Dunluce Castle, and Ballintoy Harbour — recently featured extensively in the HBO international production Game of Thrones... and not forgetting of course the Giant’s Causeway. Its 40,000 columns of basalt have given it world heritage status.

The route itself is a way-marked 120-mile trail of outstanding scenic drives and attractions

that will take you on a trip around this glorious part of Northern Ireland.

It’s an odyssey of astonishing natural landscapes, from patchwork hills, mountain streams and waterfalls to a dazzling coastal road with majestic cliffs and golden sands.

The Causeway Coastal Route is also a place to indulge your taste for adventure. If it’s an adrenalin-rush you’re after, what about scuba-diving onto the wrecks that litter the coastline, reaching the dizzy heights by gliding in the thermal currents over Magilligan or riding the rolling waves as they come off the Atlantic.

The choice is yours — and there are hundreds to make.

TAKE THE TOUR: Experience the spectacular views by car

Info & Brochure 2014 from

Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Dhún na nGall Fón: 074 973 0248 Facs: 074 973 0348

oideasgael@eircom.net 16

Corks’ Fota Island Resort will host this year's Irish Open, where the likes of Rory McIlroy will take to the greens from June 19-22

Get ready to get INVOLVED SPORTING PLAYGROUND: The Emerald Isle is an ideal destination for lovers of activity holidays

available throughout the country for every level, where you’ll learn the literal meaning of sailing too close to the wind, taking the opposite tack, keeping things on an even keel, the island’s westerly and north-westerly

‘Huge 40-foot walls of water tumble over into barrels big enough to bury a double decker bus’

H

urling is reputedly the oldest team game in the world but in many ways it typifies Irish sport – a mixture of legend, history, community, athleticism, not to mention uniqueness.

The Emerald Isle has always attracted its fair share of sporting aficionados from abroad; traditionally it was the golfers, horsemen and anglers who came to sample the world-renowned facilities. Today that sporting hat trick has been augmented with some of the finest surfing in Europe – not to mention canoeing, sailing, cycling and hill-walking.

Horse play Every type of equestrian sport is covered on the island – from ponytrekking in the hills to learning how to show-jump. Just about every town is within easy distance of an equestrian centre. People of all ages come to equestrian centres nestling between drumlins, standing on great wide pasturelands, or overlooking the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to learn how to ride, or to hone their horsemanship skills.

Off to a tee The island of Ireland provides some of the finest golfing in the world – whether on spectacular links courses such as the Royal County Down or Ballybunion, or the magnificent parkland courses found inland such as the K Club.

Over 300 full size courses boast some of the finest natural hazards to be found in the world of golf – towering dunes and of course frequent squally showers. To compensate for the fact that in your golf bag a very useful club might be an umbrella, the scenery is unbeatable, and the naturally drained turf gives a spring to fairways and greens.

Reel fun Just like the golferati, the international angling community have long recognised that the island provides some of the best fishing to be found anywhere.

Lough Neagh, Lough Erne, the River Shannon, the River Bann, the Slaney, the Suir, plus countless thousands of lakes, streams and loughs – not forgetting of course the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea – provide every kind of sport, from sea-angling to trout-fishing.

Setting sail It’s waterways and coastline are also ideal for watercraft sports.

Cruising, sailing, wild-water canoeing, ocean kayaking, rowing and rafting are all catered for.

With its sheltered harbours and dramatic coastline, Ireland is an ideal place for sailing. But you don’t need to be an experienced yachtsman to enjoy boating in Ireland. Even if you don’t know your tiller from your halyard, or your sloop from your ketch, never fear. There are courses

shores also provide some of Europe’s finest waves for surfing.

In most resorts you can hire all the equipment you’ll need – wetsuits, yellow foamies and longboards – as well as get lessons in this exhilarating sport.

You’ll soon be ready for the west coast’s world-class wave – the Aill Na Serracht, which appears along all the western counties. Huge 40-foot walls of water tumble over into barrels big enough to bury a double decker bus.

Conquer this wave and you’re probably ready for anything.

Time to reflect For more contemplative activities, the island’s landscape is ideal for hill-walking and hiking.

Huge expanses of countryside – mountains, moorland, bogland and woodland – provide terrain where you can wander all day, and you’ll be lucky if you meet another soul.

Several ‘Way-Marked Routes’ crisscross the island – the Ulster Way, The Táin Way, The West Way, The Slieve Bloom Way and The Narnia Trail in Co. Down to name but a few. These trails take you through some of the most dramatic scenery – but in any walk in Ireland, indeed in any sporting activity, you’ll get a world-beating blend of natural beauty and human artistry. Castles and abbeys, mountains and sea, surf and turf – and you’ll never be far from a cosy pub, inviting café or welcoming guesthouse where you can refresh yourself in some style.

Cork City Marathon 2014 Monday 2nd June Irish June Bank Holiday Monday

CORK CITY MARATHON 2014 – IT’S THE YEAR TO GET INVOLVED

www.corkcitymarathon.ie 17

In 1963 JFK visited Limerick and gave a speech at the Greenpark Racecourse

A cultural debut This year Limerick is Ireland’s first National City of Culture. We look at its many charms

HOOPS AND DREAMS: Limerick welcomes culture vultures in 2014

L

imerick’s New Year’s Eve carnival extravaganza set the tone for what promises to be a great year for Limerick – Ireland’s first City of Culture.

With over 200 performances to take place, the city’s year-long programme looks set to be the perfect blend of culture and the arts.

It is hoped the year will leave a lasting legacy with over

‘This city is going through a wonderful renaissance in so many respects and this year will be a real milestone in that process’

100 local Limerick groups being funded to deliver shows and exhibitions as part of a programme that includes drama and sport as well as street theatre and pop-up urban platforms.

Almost one million people are expected to turn out to participate in events over the next 12 months.

“One of the primary objectives of the National City of Culture initiative is to leave a longterm impact and based on the programme, one cannot Indie Week Ireland 2014 is a celebration of help but be excited by what independent bands and musicians that re-locates lies ahead for Limerick this from Dublin to Limerick City this year. Taking place year,” said Ireland’s from April 23-26 the festival programme will Minister for the Arts, feature up to 30 bands spread across four top Heritage and the music venues: Dolans, Bourkes, Cobblestone Joes Gaeltacht Jimmy and The Blind Pig. One band will be selected by a Deenihan. “This city is panel of judges to win the top prize of a trip to Indie going through a Week Canada in October, where they will support the wonderful renaissance in festival’s headline act and have the chance to connect so many respects and this with industry professionals from North America. year will be a real Indie Week Ireland is calling for independent bands milestone in that process.” who want the chance to prove their credentials Limerick is the city of the on the international stage. Bands have until Cranberries and of Thomond March 15 to apply online via Park, of Terry Wogan, Richard ■ www.sonicbids.com or Harris and Frank McCourt. It ■ www.reverbnation.com has always had its edgy side. The

The battle of the bands

Indie Week Ireland April 23-26

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Vikings fetched up in about 922 and settled at the lowest crossing point of the river Shannon where it meets the sea, and began to build up a settlement. Hot on the heels of the Danes and co. came the Normans in the 12th and 13th centuries, followed a few years later by the those two foremost agents of bloodletting in Ireland, Edward the Bruce and Oliver Cromwell.

No wonder the city’s official motto is: “An ancient city well studied in the arts of war.”

All that history has led to one fascinating city. As you stand on Sarsfield Bridge and watch 100 swans swim effortlessly down the Shannon towards the Atlantic, with the gaunt contours of

Proms in the Park Limerick sets the stage for a Proms in the Park this summer when the City of Culture will collaborate with a number of musical artists from across Ireland to stage an outdoor music concert for all the family. The May 1 concert will be an opportunity to bring the whole clan to what promises to be a magical summer evening as you picnic on the lawns listening to some of the best musical talent in the country.

King John’s Castle etched out against the western horizon, you’ll realise that Limerick truly deserves to be granted the status of Ireland’s first National City of Culture.

The impressive King John’s Castle, some 800 years old, is a quintessential example of AngloNorman architecture. Located on King’s Island

The grandfather of English poet and novelist Robert Graves was Charles Graves, who was Bishop of Limerick for 33 years and is buried in the city’s St. Mary’s Cathedral

along with the rest of the remains of Limerick’s medieval centre, the castle boasts an impressive visitor’s centre. From the ramparts of the castle, views of the Shannon are naturally enough panoramic – if you wanted to protect a city in Norman times, a good view of the hinterland was essential.

‘The old quays dating back to Viking times have been redeveloped into riverside restaurants, bistros, craft shops and designer-label outlets’ King’s Island is also the home of St Mary’s Cathedral, built around 1190, making it older than the castle. The nave and parts of the transepts remain from the 12th century, with much of the rest of dating from the 15th century.

If you only visit a limited number of cathedrals every year, this one should be top of your list.

The Treaty Stone on Thomond Bridge is one of the icons of Limerick. The Treaty in question, the Treaty of Limerick, ended the Williamite War in Ireland. The necessary papers were reputedly signed by Patrick Sarsfield and one Godert de Ginkell, a Dutchman, on the Treaty Stone, an irregular block of limestone which once served as a mounting block for people getting onto their horses.

Art for art’s sake On loan from the National Gallery of Ireland is a fine selection of Beatty’s art collection composed almost entirely of works by 19th century French artists including Breton and Couture, which he generously gifted to the nation of Ireland in 1950.

(Until March 30)

Other active Limerick arts groups include Contact Studios, which provides individual studio spaces for visual artists and the Daghdha Dance Company, a contemporary dance company that has adopted a renovated church in John’s Square, and the Impact Theatre Company.

The Limerick Food Festival and Proms in the Park, the Fresh Film Festival and the Limerick Jazz Festival are also sure to be big attractions.

All, and many more, will be playing their part in Limerick’s celebration of the arts this year.

Celebrate St Patrick’s weekend in Limerick Limerick’s Milk Market The old quays dating back to Viking times have been redeveloped into riverside restaurants, bistros, craft shops and designer-label outlets.

The Vikings would be more than delighted that their trading instincts are still to the fore.

Arthur’s Quay and Steamboat Quay are the key to cafés, bars, bistros and boutique hotels.

Limerick’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, runs southwards to the Crescent, a beautiful collection of elegant Georgian buildings, now largely occupied by financial institutions.

If you really want to get to grips with Limerick life past and present, check out the Hunt Museum in Limerick University. The Hunt is one of Ireland’s premier museums holding one of the finest private collections of art and antiquities in the world. This year, with Limerick being the National City of Culture, venues such as the Lime Tree Theatre will be at the fulcrum of events. The Lime Tree hosts theatre, music, comedy, and traditional arts.

Marching bands featuring musicians from across Ireland, Europe and the US will perform in the 44th Limerick International Band Championship on March 16.

HORSING AROUND: Enjoy a free exhibition at The Hunt Museum Over 1,000 musicians are expected to take part in Ireland’s only international band competition for the title of ‘Overall Parade Champion’.

Featuring a world class judging panel and attracting some 35,000 spectators to the city’s streets, this event celebrates the importance of music to the people of Limerick as part of its City of Culture 2014 reign.

Limerick’s St. Patrick’s Festival will feature the giant St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. Over 70,000 spectators throng the streets of Limerick every year for the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the 2014 festival promises to be bigger than ever!

Starting from Sarsfield Barracks at noon, the theme of the parade is the Limerick City of Culture 2014 year.

It will feature over 4,000 people, numerous floats, community groups and bands providing a riot of colour, noise and entertainment.

June 14-15: 2014 European Mountain Bike Marathon Championships Taking place in Ballyhoura, Co. Limerick this will be the first event of its calibre to be hosted in Ireland. The trail infrastructure is in an unspoiled, rural location highlighting the scenic beauty of Limerick and its surroundings. Top mountain bikers from Europe will compete in this white knuckle marathon.

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Situated in at the top of the Dublin mountains, Johnnie Fox's is famed as the highest pub in Ireland

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival 5 to 14 September 2014 A celebration of good food, in an amazing place

atasteofwestcork.com

Chef spotlight: Richard Corrigan Where does the inspiration for your dishes come from?

It’s the farm-fresh approach. We have our own farm and gardens in Co. Cavan at the Virginia Park Lodge in Ireland.

Every Sunday a refrigerator van pulls into London with beautiful stuff in it, which is inspiring for us to use.

What’s your favourite Irish dish?

Honestly, my favourite Irish dish at which I just melt is freshly poached bacon, some nice mustard on the side, melted onions, fresh cabbage barely cooked and with a real bite in it.

Oh my God! I’ve gone already, I’m absolutely gone! Beautiful, simple food.

What is your favourite restaurant in Ireland?

I don’t really have favourite restaurants. There’s a nice place I like hanging out down in Waterford, called L’Atmosphere.

It’s a little bistro and I’m always tickled by the quality of the decent wine list and the great food. I feel absolutely comfortable there.

By Nemesha Balasundaram

INSPIRED: London-based estaurateur and chef Richard Corrigan

Your passport to the best news for the Irish in Britain In stores every Wednesday www.irishpost.co.uk

Irish Post THE

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The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is the oldest oyster festival in the world having been launched in September 1954

A banquet for everyone As the world clamours for Irish produce, visitors to the Emerald Isle will discover much in the island’s culinary renaissance to tempt food lovers of all tastes

T

HE ISLAND of Ireland has long been blessed with natural produce. A thousand years ago cattle were being reared for beef on lush grasslands, and sheep grazed amongst the alder, birch and willow on the hillsides. In the lowlands, oats, barley and rye were the staple cereals.

Fast forward to this century, and Ireland still produces most of what it eats, with Irish beef,

‘ you don’t need to dine at L’Ecrivain in Dublin or bon appétit in Malahide to sample Irish cuisine at its best.’

lamb, pork and fish still amongst the most sought after in the world. Meanwhile the market gardeners of Armagh continue to lead the way in the cultivation of apples and organic produce of the highest quality is grown throughout the island.

The superiority of these food products has led to a renaissance of Irish cuisine. Many first class cafés and restaurants now serve what might loosely be called ‘Irish cuisine’.

Others specialise DINING OUT: in Irish There is vernacular something cuisine, to suit all revisiting the tastes great dishes of the past but

introducing modern molecular influences. the island’s top-notch restaurants are now happy to supply those surprises.

So look out for the likes of apple sauce salad with fresh pear and pickled pear, beetroot and Stichelton cheese, or perhaps wild bass served with lime, caper and brown shrimp butter.

From the finest beef produced by grass-fed cattle to the blackberries and garlic that grow wild by the roadside, and not forgetting trout, fresh from fast-flowing streams, the natural environment is now reflected in its burgeoning

TASTE OF THE SEA: The Merrion Hotel

restaurant culture.

Of course, you don’t need to dine at L’Ecrivain in Dublin or Bon Appétit in Malahide to sample Irish cuisine at its best.

Everywhere are cosy gastropubs or town restaurants which specialise, not necessarily in cheap food, but good value cuisine – hearty fare, but cooked with sophistication.

But you may want to try some cooking yourself, and the island has many world class food markets

where you can pick up the ingredients for making, say, the very lightest feuille de brique pastry – and stuff it with a creation of your own choice. At the English Market in Cork City you’ll find a variety of gastronomic starturns such as FLAVOUSOME FARE: Kay O’Connell’s Eden Restaurant, fish, Atlantic Temple Bar West Clare oysters, Bay Lough cheese from ‘On the Pig’s Back’ – or indeed herbs, spices, fruits, tapenades, sauces, oils, cheeses and pâtés from all over the island. At St George’s Market in Belfast, a gift to gastronomy, the three types of indigenous bread – soda farls, wheaten bread and potato farls – take pride of place in the bakery stalls.

Dublin’s Temple Bar Market, meanwhile, will supply you with all the artisan cheeses, organic vegetables, sauces, relishes, preserves you might want.

To help you manage this embarrassment of culinary riches and these world class ingredients, several cookery schools have opened up over the last few decades to help in that endeavour.

These are amongst the best Europe has to offer – Catherine Fulvio’s Cookery School in Ballyknocken House, Wicklow; Darina Allen’s Ballymaloe school in Co. Cork, Ghan House in Carlingford in Co. Louth and the Bell Isle Cookery School in Co. Fermanagh all present a variety of courses, workshops and classes.

Throughout the year food festivals are held to celebrate local produce and local cuisine. The two most famous are probably Galway’s two oyster festivals held in September – but increasingly the festival calendar is filling up with others happy to show off their locality’s culinary specialties. A Taste of West Cork Food Festival brings together a unique mix of food markets and demonstrations, cookery competitions, special dinners, brunches and banquets, food-tastings, talks and exhibitions.

Following the Burren Food Trail in Co. Clare is an ideal way to limber up for the Burren Food Fayre, which takes place at the end of October.

Expect the local (and delicious) Linalla ice cream from the Burren to feature somewhere. In August and September, the Festival of Fish and Seafood Trail in Co. Down, takes in a tour of the four fishing villages of Kilkeel, Annalong, Ardglass and Portavogie.

No matter what your interest in food is – tasting, preparing, cooking or creating – you’ll definitely find something to your taste.

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An old Irish proverb - A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures

Rest assured A

n area where the island of Ireland competes very strongly is accommodation. You can get quite extraordinary value – either on a one night basis, or increasingly through special package deals. These range from two night mid-week specials, to deals that include evening meals, spa treatments or rounds of golf.

As a general rule it’s cheaper to book online, whether at the hotel’s own website or on the various sites dedicated to accommodation reservations such as www.booking.com, www.lastminute.com or

www.bookirelandhotels.com But if you find yourself without internet access, most hotels although they of course don’t advertise it – will bargain over the telephone. They desperately want to fill their rooms, so it’s always worth making them an offer. And, unlike booking an airline ticket, often leaving it to the last minute can be cheaper.

Some of our favourite hotels include...

Dublin The Shelbourne Dublin 27 St Stephen’s Green Tel: 00353 1 663 4500 www.marriott.co.uk The top drawer digs in Dublin. You can rub shoulders with the capital’s intelligentsia at Horseshoe Bar. Order Bar Number 27’s most famous creation, Black Velvet (a Guinness and Champagne cocktail).

They even have a genealogy butler if you’re not sure of your family roots. Rooms from ¤190.

Located seven miles from the port of Fishguard on the main A40, perfectly situated for a stopover in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. Central to everything that Pembrokeshire has to offer.

: OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND with fabulous

accommodation accompanied by the very best of local foods. : Consistently awarded an AA Rosette for good food. : Drop in for a meal in our stylish new Brasserie for lunch or dinner produced by our team of six chefs. : Here at Wolfscastle WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD...

See our website at

www.wolfscastle.com

for special offers, menus, or to book a room online.

Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Allt yr Afon Brasserie

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Connemara Coastal Cottages offer a range of small self-catering cottages within a 25 mile radius of Clifden, Co. Galway. A selection of quality properties at affordable prices are on offer. Most have sea views, some are only a short distance from the sea and others just a short drive away.

The scenery in this area is truly spectacular with mountains as a backdrop in most properties.

Connemara is known for its special light and vivid colours and as a result it is an artist paradise with many galleries nearby. Hunting, shooting and fishing are other popular pastimes with locals and tourists alike. So if you want a holiday that’s quiet, peaceful and unlike any other tourist destination you have ever been to, then Connemara is the place to choose.

Connemara Coastal Cottages can tailor a holiday to suit your needs.

■ See www.cc-cottages.com or call 00 353 95 41844 for more details.

Egan’s Guesthouse 7/9 Iona Park, Glasnevin Tel: 00353 1 808 4418 www.eganshouse.com Egan’s is an elegant terrace of Edwardian houses in north Dublin, offering three star accommodation with free parking available on site.

Dublin Airport is just 10 minutes by taxi. Croke Park and the Point Depot are close by. www.bookirelandhotels.com are currently offering double rooms from ¤34, not including breakfast.

Belfast The Fitzwilliam Hotel Great Victoria Street Tel: 048 9044 2080 www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com Belfast’s top luxury hotel with great views over Belfast, and more bottles of posh shampoo than you could house inside a warehouse.

Double rooms from £100.

#### Four Star boutique hotel with a welcoming hospitality and friendly atmosphere.

Wolfscastle Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire SA62 5LZ (01437) 741 225 www.wolfscastle.com enquiries@wolfscastle.com

A room with a view

Hastings Europa Hotel Great Victoria Street Tel: 048 9027 1066 www.hastingshotels.com The world famous Europa Hotel, that has provided shelter for prime ministers, presidents and

celebrities. Double rooms from £90.

Co. Galway The G Hotel Wellpark, Dublin Road Galway City Tel: 00353 91 865 200 www.theghotel.ie Designed by world famous milliner Philip Treacy, the five star G is a destination in itself. The rooms come fully equipped with flat-screen TV, designer bed linen and a list of DVDs available from the hotel library. From ¤75 pps per night. www.travelrepublic.co.uk is offering rooms from £57.

Co. Cork The River Lee Hotel Western Road, Cork Tel: 00353 21 425 2700 www.doylecollection.com One of the most luxurious Cork City hotels, The River Lee Hotel has a terrific position, with great views across the river. It’s also close to the city centre. Double rooms from ¤99.

HOLY HEAD LODGE QUALITY ACCOMMODATION NEXT TO THE FERRY CROSSING

www.holyheadlodge.co.uk 0800 0830368, 01407769214, 07956444778

ing uc e d ro s n p plea e wh rt – en off dve wh g e % a 10 this stat okin o b

Horseriding on Bertra Beach in Co. Mayo

£1.00 ¤1.20