Travel ireland magazine volume 2 issue 15

Travelireland Volume 2 Issue 15 July 2015

magazine

Riverdance

O’Donovan Rossa Centenary re-enactment

THE MUSICAL IS HERE! Galway Film Fleadh Feile Lughnasa is Kerry Gold!

celebrating 20 years at the top!

Festival Of Curiosity

Clare...

a county of sheer beauty!

STEP INSIDE THE HOME OF

JAMESON BOOK YOUR TOUR AT JAMESONWHISKEY.COM

CONTENTS 04 06 08 09 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 29 30 32 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 50

Ellen Media Communications Ltd Father Matthew Hall Second Floor, 131 Church St, Dublin 7.

Tel: 01 561 2431 / 087 911 3732 www.travelirelandmagazine.com Travel Ireland Magazine @traveliremag

Welcome To Leinster

Welcome to our July issue

Explore Leinster

Whether this is your first time visiting these our shores, or whether you are returning once again to trace the steps of your distant ancestors, here at Travel Ireland we hope in some small way to be able to gently guide you as you plan your stay here. There’s so much to do and see all year round in Ireland and June is especially busy with a range of festivals, cultural and heritage events to enjoy during your stay. Visit the beautiful county of Clare with all its wonderful heritage sites, step back through history at the O’Donovan Rossa funeral re-enactment or take in a show. There are some great shows to choose from this month, including the 20th anniversary of Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre and the award winning Once at the Olympia. Whatever you end up doing, we at Travel Ireland wish you a hefty and heart-felt Céad míle fáilte! And enjoy your stay!

Jameson Distillery Once the Musical Theatre Leinster Shopping The Festival of Curiosity O’Donovan Rossa Leinster Pubs Riverdance Leinster Restaurants Peploes Welcome To Munster Munster Pubs Munster Restaurants Explore Munster Kenmare Féile Lúghnasa County Clare Welcome to Connaught Explore Connaught

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Connaught Pubs Connaught Restaurants Galway Film Fleadh Welcome To Ulster Explore Ulster Ulster Pubs Promenade Festival Ulster Restaurants Beleek Pottery

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Published by Ellen Media Communications Ltd Publisher John Carey Director Paul Daly Features Writer Mark O’Brien Design & Art Direction Oonagh Dowling Credit Control Manager Nichola Thomas (nichola@ellenmediacom.ie) Advertising John Carey (john@ellenmediacom.ie, 01 561 2431, 087 9113732) Bill Daly (bill@travelirelandmagazine.ie, 087 153 3262) Aran Sheehan (aran@travelirelandmagazine.ie, 085 711 0826) Contributors: Adam Patterson Photography, Arran Henderson, John McCurdy, Paula Moore, Patrick O’Neill, Stephen Walker, Emma Brereton, Ivan Donoghue, Joleen Cronin Richard Eibrand, Padraig O’Donnell, Michael Mc Laughlin.

We wish to record our thanks to Paula Sneyd, Failte Ireland, The Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service, Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. And to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and The National Trust-Giants Causeway (NI), for their help and guidance in the production of this edition.

And to Paddy Donovan, Ed Reeve, Carr Cotter and Naessens, jonandlauren.wordpress.com and10bestpubsingalway.wordpress.com for the use of their images.

Ellen Media Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Ellen Media Communications Limited does not accept responsibility for any advertising content. All unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted or returned. No material may be used in whole or in part without the publishers prior consent. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of all the events information or recommendations on this site, no responsibility will be accepted by Ellen Media Communications Ltd, its editorial team, designers, authors or agents acting on their behalf for alterations, errors or omissions which may occur.

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Leinster - The East Coast Province Leinster is the most easterly of the four provinces of Ireland, and is the most populated with the city of Dublin at its heart. The province is made up of counties Dublin, Louth, Meath, Carlow, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Kilkenny and Wexford. These counties have a host of historic monuments, a picture perfect coastline and cities and villages thronged with things to do and see.

County Dublin is the home to the capital city. Dublin is the administrative, cultural, and economic capital of the country. It is one of the most exciting places to visit with a thriving arts, musical and theatrical nightlife.

All roads lead to Saint Stephen’s Green in the very centre of the city. You’ll find it at the top of Grafton Street, with Trinity College down at the other end. And just around the corner you can stroll around the cultural quarter of Temple Bar between Dame Street and the river that, famously, divides the North and the South of the city.

If you want to escape to the country without

GPO, Dublin actually leaving the city, then you can head north to Howth Head, or south to the charming and culturally vibrant villages of Dalkey and Killiney. Half an hour on the DART train will take you from the centre of the city to what feels like the heart of the country.

County Meath formerly known as the Royal County is the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland who were based around the Hill of Tara. Meath is also one of the most archaeologically important counties on the island with its Neolithic sites at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These ancient religious sites (built before the Pyramids) have been excavated and restored in recent years making 4

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Hill of Tara them some of the busiest visitors’ attractions in the country. The sites are all only less than an hour’s drive out of Dublin and are accessible through the Bru Na Boinne Visitors Centre.

The county also features the site of the Battle of the Boyne which was one of the great battles fought on Irish soil. For horse racing lovers, Meath has the wonderful Fairyhouse Racecourse, and there is also summertime horse racing on Laytown Beach.

County Wicklow has several world famous sites and attractions, from the Glendalough monastic settlement with its Abbey and Round Tower, to the fabulous Powerscourt House and Gardens. The Wicklow Hills rising majestically over the county and the seaside town of Bray are just some of its many attractions.

Offaly is situated in the centre of Ireland. Nestling between the Shannon River to the West and the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the East, Offaly is one of the lowest lying counties in the country.

Any visitor should travel along the Royal Canal where one can experience a peace and tranquillity little known in our busy world.

Kildare is the home of the National Stud, Newbridge Silverware and Maynooth College. Couple all these with Mondello Park motor racing, Naas horse racing course and Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park and there is something for everyone.

Westmeath is a county which has at its heart the town of Athlone which is exactly situated in the middle of Ireland. It is home to the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival, the oldest pub in Ireland and some of the finest golfing, fishing and health spas on offer throughout the land.

Louth is known as “the wee county” as it is the smallest county in Ireland but what it lacks in land mass it makes up for in places to see.

It is the home of the Cooley Mountains, the

Boyne river which is famous for its salmon fishing and the beautiful Carlingford area. If it is a leisurely drive you seek Louth is the place to go. Carlow is where you will find three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – the South Leinster, the Barrow and the Wicklow Ways. Carlow is blessed with hundreds of miles of excellent and varied walking trails, and hosts a wonderful arts festival every June.

Laois is where you can try your hand at a range of activities from paintballing in the Stradbally Woods to western-style riding at Fossey Mountain, bowls at the only indoor

Kilkenny Castle bowls stadium in the Republic or tie a fly at the unique Irish Fly-fishing and Game shooting Museum .

Kilkenny City was voted Ireland’s Top Tourism Town for 2013 by Failte Ireland which is Ireland’s main tourism body. It was voted Cleanest Town in Ireland at end of 2013

by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), and has also been voted 9th friendliest city in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The city was in addition voted Most Friendliest City in Europe. Couple all these awards with a huge countywide cultural heritage trail and it is a must see destination for any visitor.

Longford is situated in the basin of the River Shannon and the upper catchment area of the River Erne. It is ideally located in the heart of the Lakelands region within easy reach of many stunning and historic tourist attractions.

The county’s accessibility to many of Irelands main towns and cities make it a prime location as a holiday base.

Finally, Wexford is famous for its glorious sandy coastline and together with County Waterford is known as ‘The Sunny South East’.

You can also visit the oldest lighthouse in Europe which stands on the Hook Peninsula.

So now you know, whether you are a family group, a couple, or a single traveller, there is something for everyone in Leinster!

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Explore Leinster

The James Joyce Museum In 1904, James Joyce stayed in the Martello Tower in Sandycove as a guest of Oliver St. John Gogarty. Although his stay was short, the Martello Tower became the setting for the opening of Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. The Martello Tower is now the home of the James Joyce Museum, dedicated to the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Open all year round with free admission, the James Joyce Museum has many first editions of Joyce’s work on display. Visitors can also view pictures inspired by Joyce and his work, photographs of the author, his family and his friends, and one of two plaster death masks made by the sculptor Paul Speck.

The James Joyce Museum is a must visit for lovers of literature. www.joycetower.ie

Glendalough

This beautiful glacial valley in County Wicklow is renowned as the place where Cistercian monks settled in the sixth century, and the remains of the monastic priory including a round tower can still be seen today. Known locally as “the valley of the two lakes” , the locals also say it will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.

The early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Tel: 0404 45325/45352.

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The Chester Beatty Library The only museum in Ireland to win ‘European Museum of the Year’ and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library opens a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the many highlights that you’ll find on display here.

And be sure to avail of the excellent guided tours that the loquacious and extremely well-informed guides provide there, free of charge. They take place on Wednesdays at 1pm and on Sundays at 3pm and 4pm.

Opening hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm.

Tel: 01 407 0750

Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) Kilmainham Gaol may seem like an unusual place to spend a morning or afternoon but despite its sometimes grim past it makes for a fascinating visit. Built in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol served as a prison for 128 years, and tours detail some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show.

Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and cannot be booked in advance.

Tel: 01 453 5984

The Book Of Kells

The Guinness Storehouse

Formerly known as the Hop Store, the Guinness Storehouse is laid out over seven floors surrounded by a glass atrium that rises up through its centre. You make your way up on a self-guided tour, where you learn all about the beer’s history, the central part that the Guinness family played in the development of the city, and of the world famous advertising campaigns that did so much to help promote it.

Tours are e16.50, which includes your pint of Guinness in The Gravity Bar on the 7th floor. Which might sound a bit steep for a self-guided tour, but it’s all beautifully laid out and the whole experience is richly rewarding. Tel: 01 408 4800.

The Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition in Trinity College Dublin are the first things that all visitors gravitate to when first setting foot in Dublin. Located in the heart of the city, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. And upstairs, you’ll find yourself in the magical environs of the justly famous Long Room.

Inside the Book of Kells itself is a 9thcentury gospel manuscript famous throughout the world for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as “insular majuscule”.

Guided tours of the campus, including the Old Library, The Books of Kells, and the magnificent Long Room upstairs are e12.

Opening hours: 9:30am-5pm (4:30pm Sun) Tel: 01 896 1661

Explore Leinster

The War Memorial Gardens

Avondale House and Forest Park

The Old Jameson Distillery Experience the Old Jameson Distillery whiskey tour and let expert guides take you back in time as they lead you through the fascinating story of Jameson Irish Whiskey.

At the end of the tour, all visitors are rewarded with a complimentary dram of whiskey at the Jameson Bar and partake in a comparison whiskey tasting session where you will learn how to tell the differences between Scotch, Irish, and American whiskey. The tour finishes at the exclusive gift store where people may choose to buy a personalised bottle or a memento of their visit. Dublin is a city famous for its whiskey and a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is essential for any person looking to explore, sightsee or even just enjoy themselves and have a drink.

Open Daily from 9am-6pm Tel: 01 8072348/ 2316

Cultural and Historical Walking Tours The streets of Dublin have been home to the Vikings, Normans, Elizabethans, Georgians and Victorians. What better way to explore its secret nooks and crannies than to take one of the many cultural and historical walking tours that the city has to offer.

At Dublin Decoded, Arran Henderson provides a wide range of fascinating insights into Dublin’s history, with particular emphasis on its art and architecture.

From “How To Read A Painting:symbols and meaning at the National Gallery” to Architecture of Georgian Splendour, and an historic Medieval Treasure Hunt.

Alternatively you can talk to him about designing your own tour.

See www.dublindecoded.com

When you are visiting IMMA in Kilmainham, you should walk on over to Islandbridge about half a kilometer further on. The gardens there are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1st World War. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms in the gardens.

Not merely a place of remembrance, they are also of great architectural interest and beauty. They are one of only four gardens in this country designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944).

The others being Heywood Gardens, Lambay Island and those in Howth Castle.

The sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree planting on view here make it well worth that extra bit of a walk.

Open all year round. Tel: 01 475 7816

The National Museum of Ireland

The Museum is recognised as Ireland’s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish material heritage, culture and natural history in the world. Admission to the museum is free and there are numerous exhibitions, talks and tours.

Tel 01 677 7444

Avondale House was the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell (18461891), one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres, there are tree trails and walks ranging in duration from one to five hours.

Visitors are introduced to this wonderful historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation.

Other facilities include a licensed café, bookshop, picnic areas, children’s play area, three orienteering courses (maps can be downloaded at www.coillteoutdoors.ie) and a large car/coach park.

Tel: 0404 46111 www.heritageisland.com

Gallery Zozimus

Gallery Zozimus, art gallery, in the centre of Dublin’s Arts and Antiques Quarter of Francis Street, is ideally situated in the centre of a triangle that comprises Christchurch, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Visitor Centre at the Guinness Hop Store.

They hold a collection of Paintings, Sculptures in Bronze, Ceramic, Glass and Wood, Photography and more recently have exhibited Street or Urban art.Their’s is the largest Ceramic Gallery in Dublin exhibiting over 75 artists work Their aim is to ensure that you have an exciting array of artworks to choose from so they have created this very special place where you can view a mix of contemporary and traditional works. Gallery Zozimus represents over 120 artists, some well established and some just starting out.

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10.00 – 5.30 Sunday by appointment.

Tel: 353 1 453 9057.

Email: info@galleryzozimus.ie www.galleryzozimus.ie Gallery Zozimus, 56 Francis St, Dublin 8 JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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THE BARRELMAN'S FEAST at the

OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY

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his summer, The Old Jameson Distillery will host a unique event aimed at lovers of Irish whiskey, great food and fun – the Barrelman’s Feast. The event takes place every Saturday in July (4th, 11th and 18th.) and promises to turn the traditional Irish ‘hooley’ on its head.Your master of ceremonies for the evening is The Old Jameson Distillery’s Barrelman, who will invite you to join him on a journey of discovery through the underbelly of the world’s most popular whiskey.

Avail of tasty Jameson cocktails in JJ’s Bar on arrival before making your way to the upstairs dining room, where you will receive a complimentary signature Jameson Ginger & Lime cocktail. Then, while you tuck into your delicious fourcourse dinner, the Barrelman will regale you with the Jameson Irish Whiskey story. The entire meal is infused with Jameson nectar – from the gravlax starter to the cloudy Jameson Apple sauce that accompanies and compliments the succulent, main course pork cutlet.

For dessert, diners can enjoy a Jameson crème brûlée, served in a Jameson bottle mounted on a genuine whiskey stave.

To reflect modern Ireland, The Old Jameson Distillery will provide entertainment that reflects the 8

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contemporary Irish experience and explores the colourful and charismatic world of Irish whiskey.

Acclaimed musicians Sine Metu will soundtrack the evening, with a modern Irish playlist that spans Thin Lizzy, U2, Paul Brady and many more. You’re promised a stunning evenings entertainment through the rhythmical beats of mandolin, cajon, double bass, guitar and four voices working in perfect harmony.

The Distillery building itself provides an amazing backdrop for this lively evening. The building was established in 1780 when John Jameson established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin.

Jameson is now distilled in Cork, although bottling still takes place in Dublin. Today, the building is no longer a working distillery, but it has been magnificently restored to take visitors on a magical journey through the seven stages of whiskey making.

The Barrelman’s Feast runs every Saturday evening from May to October, commencing at 7.30pm and ending at 11pm. Tickets for the Barrelman’s Feast cost €60 and can be bought online at a discounted rate of €49.50.

Email reservations: ojd@jamesonwhiskey.com www.jamesonwhiskey.com

ONCE THE MUSICAL Dublin

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fter three years on Broadway and two years in the West End, Once is coming home to Dublin’s much-loved and historic, Olympia Theatre. Once has captured hearts around the world with its touching love story, glorious music and irresistible humour. It’s a celebration of music, love and the city that inspired it. Now it’s coming home.

Once was originally a film, written and directed by John Carney, and filmed on a modest budget around Dublin. The film was a huge success and its stars, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, won an Oscar for the song Falling Slowly, which features in the movie and the musical. The film has since been adapted into the award-winning show, with a book by one of the most exciting Irish writers of our time, Enda Walsh, and a cracking cast of actor-musicians.

A major hit on Broadway and in the West End, it’s easy to see how this thrilling show has won multiple awards including a Grammy Award and eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Once feels a bit like a play with music, with the songs forming a natural part of the storyline. It’s a simple, yet delightful, tale of two people who meet and bring out the best in eaach other through their shared love of music.

There’s also plenty of humour from

colourful characters and every effort is made to give the audience an intimate evening with the cast.

All of the music is played live on stage by the 12 cast members, who between them play 30 instruments, including guitar, melodica, harmonica, piano, violin, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, accordion and drums. The stunning music includes all the songs from the original movie including the Oscar-winning hit, Falling Slowly, and many more.

Once is set in a bar and a unique part of the experience is the preshow entertainment. The bar is fully functional and audience members are invited on stage and can have a drink while the cast rip into a session. This is one of the many reasons that Once stands out as one of the best shows you’re ever likely to see.

Once has it all - stunning music, humour and a hint of romance.

This extraordinary cast, which includes Tom Parsons as ‘Guy’ and Megan Riordan as ‘Girl’, sing, dance and play their hearts out on stage This brilliant show has captivated audiences all over the world and seeing it in Dublin is an experience that is simply not to be missed.

See Once in Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre, just opposite Dublin castle, from July 4th through summer 2015. www.oncemusical.ie #OnceinDublin JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Theatre The Abbey

The Shadow of a Gunman

2nd July - 22nd August Tel: 01 874 4045 / 01 874 6042

Sean O’Casey’s classic play The Shadow of a Gunman gets a fresh and vibrant twist from director Wayne Jordan. Donal Davoren is a struggling poet trying to find peace and quiet in a busy Dublin tenement. However as Ireland descends into a vicious guerilla war, Donal’s neighbours begin to think that he may be a gunman on the run, something that he becomes happy to play along with when Minnie Powell takes an interest in him.

Starring Mark O’Halloran as Donal, Amy McAllister as Minnie and Malcolm Adams as Mr Gallagher 12th June - 1st August Tel: 01 887 2200

The Gate

A Month in the Country

National Concert Hall

The National Concert Hall is home to the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and the National Chamber Choir of Ireland. But its cultural brief extends across all musical genres from Classical to Irish Trad, to jazz, folk and world music.

Highlights this July include Ladysmith Black Mambazo on 2nd July, GuitaRIAM on 4th July, Fiesta Mexicana on 4th July, Eamon Keane in Concert on 8th July, The High Kings on 9th July, Mary Chapin Carpenter on 11th July, An Evening with Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell on 19th July, Kevin Fitzpatrick on 24th July, Movie Classics on 24th July and The Nina in Me on 25th July.

Tel: 01 417 0000 Or go to www.nch.ie

The Gaiety Riverdance

Having already played 37 European countries and 25 cities across China, Riverdance returns for its summer season in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. Riverdance has played over 11,000 performances, been seen by 25 million people and sold over 3 million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD. Now it’s coming home for what is sure to be a special run of performances to mark the 20th anniversary. See our full page feature on Riverdance on page 20.

Brian Friel’s adaptation of Ivan Turgenev’s A Month In The Country comes to the Gate stage, starring Mark O’Regan, Barbara Brennan, Aisling McGuckin and Peter Gaynor.

Set in the Islayev country estate, a headstrong Natalya Petrovna is a headstrong woman married to rich landowner Arkady Islayev.

Natalya is bored with life but that boredom comes to an end with the arrival the handsome Aleksey Belyayev, who comes to tutor her son Kolya. Natalya falls for Aleksey but so too does her ward Vera and Natalya schemes to rid herself of her rival. What follows is a study of the cruel inequality of love, mixing comedy and laughter with tragedy and tears.

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23rd June - 20th August Also in the Gaiety this month, June Rodgers brings her Merry Month of June show to the stage from 15th to 20th June and Riverdance Twenty Returns from 23rd June.

Tel: 0818 719 388

Bord Gais Energy Theatre The Producers

Based on Mel Brooks’ beloved Academy Award-winning movie, The Producers comes

to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre stage starring Jason Manford. Since taking to the stage, The Producers has been a huge success on Broadway and the West End, picking up a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and 3 Olivier Awards. Featuring classic songs, such as ‘Springtime for Hitler’, The Producers tells the story of Max Bialystock, who recruits accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway’s greatest scam by producing a musical that is sure to flop and making them a fortune. However Showbusiness is a fickle and unpredictable world and Leo and Max find themselves in the midst of a hilarious farce.

6th - 11th July Tel: 01 677 7999 or visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie Other highlights at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month include Tony Christie on 17th July, Christopher Cross on 19th July and The Bodyguard from 23rd July to 1st August.

Mermaid Arts Centre

Not The Edinburgh Fringe...Al Porter and Eleanor Tiernan

Two of Ireland’s best up and coming stand-ups hit the Mermaid stage before they head off to Edinburgh. At just 20 years of age, Al Porter is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Ireland’s freshest stand-ups. He’s graced stages from his beloved hometown of Tallaght all the way to London and has had audiences rolling in the aisles wherever he’s brought his flamboyant show. Eleanor Tiernan returns to the Mermaid stage after the success of her comedy play National Therapy Project. Now she’s back with her hilarious stand up show. That’s two brilliant comedians for the price of one at Mermaid Arts Centre this month.

This month’s other highlights include a screening of Selma on 1st and 2nd June, Still Alice on 8th June, Lakers on 11th and 12th June, An Evening with Voices of Bray Community Choir from 18th to 20th June, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kilruddery House on 20th June, Senior Songschool from 22nd to 26th June and The Girl with a Pearl Earring on 27th June.

31st July Tel: 01 272 4043 or visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie Also at Mermaids Arts Centre this month The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes on 4th July, The Miami Showband on 4th July, Camille O’Sullivan on 10th and 11th July, A Second Chance on 13th July, Sheevawn Musical Youth Theatre Present Hairspray from 22nd to 25th July and Junior Songschool from 27th to 31st July.

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Recommended Shopping Kildare Village

entertaining events on throughout the year, you will even find the centre’s resident pianist playing at lunchtime every Thursday and Friday.

www.powerscourtcentre.ie

Brown Thomas

Less than an hours drive from Dublin Airport and the city centre, Kildare Village offers a unique shopping experience. One of a collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages that are situated near major European cities, Kildare Village offers an unrivalled luxury shopping experience.

The outlet is characterised by its charming open air setting, welcoming service and luxury brands. There is a calendar of events all year round and you will find massive discounts on world leading brands, with discounts of up to 60% offered on some of the world’s leading brands.

Some of the brands that can be found at the outlet include Calvin Klein, DKNY, Clarks, French Connection, Hugo Boss, Karen Millen and Tommy Hilfiger. There are also an excellent range of services offered to shoppers, such as a Tourist Information Centre, Hands Free Shopping, dog kennels, a childrens play area and a Frequent Flyer Programme.

Kilkenny Shop has been supporting Irish design talent, stocking top designers like Waterford Crystal, Orla Kiely, Aideen Bodkin, Nicholas Mosse and Stephen Pearce. There are currently eleven Kilkenny Shops nationwide, including locations in Dublin (3 locations), Meath, Kildare, Tipperary, Cork, Killarney and Galway, as well as two sister Christy’s stores in Killarney and Cobh, Co Cork. You can also shop online at kilkennyshop.com with delivery available nationwide and around the world.

Opening hours: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri and Sat 8.30am – 7pm Thurs 8.30am – 8pm Sunday 10am – 6pm www.kilkennyshop.com

Powerscourt Centre

www.kildarevillage.com

The Kilkenny Shop

The Kilkenny Shop is Ireland’s largest emporium for Irish designed products, from fashion and jewellery to homeware, handmade crafts and crystal. For over five decades, the 12

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Located in Dublin’s Creative Quarter on the bustling South William Street is the Powerscourt Centre. Housed in a stunning Georgian townhouse, the Powerscourt Centre has over 40 shops and restaurants and offers shoppers a wonderful city centre shopping experience.

The centre offers a range of fashion stores, such as All Saints, French Connection and Mary Grant and if antiques are your thing then the Powerscourt Centre is the place to go. There are a number of antique stores in the centre, including Courtville Antiques, Delphi Antiques, Lilly Fine Art, The Silver Shop and Monte Cristo. If you’re planning a wedding in the near future, the Centre offers a number of superb wedding outlets.

There are a range of eclectic restaurants and cafes in the Centre committed to providing fresh, quality cuisine and there are lots of

If it’s a high end shopping experience that you’re after, then Brown Thomas is the place to go. Brown Thomas offers unrivalled service and a wide range of the world’s leading brands.

From the moment you are welcomed into the store by the top-hatted doorman, you will know that you are in for a wonderful shopping experience.

There are stores in Cork, Galway and Limerick but the iconic flagship store is situated on Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street. In this store you can find some of the world’s finest brands, including Armani, Baker, Chanel, Dior, Elizabeth Arden and Yves Saint Laurent to name just a few.

The Dublin store also has a restaurant on the third floor which recently relaunched with a menu inspired by Patrick Guilbaud, a 2 Star Michelin Restaurateur, and Brown’s Bar and Cafe on the first floor.

The store offers personal shopping services and an unrivalled range of corporate gifts and there is tax free shopping available for non-EU residents.

www.brownthomas.com

236 Lower rathmines road, dubLin 6 teL: 01-4977057

GROGANS Where time stands still Host to a continuous changing art exhibition

15 South William Street Telephone 677 9320

the FESTIVAL OF Curiosity

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layful days and curious nights are promised at the third annual Festival of Curiosity in Dublin from 23rd to 26th July. With over 40000 people attending every year, the festival takes a new approach to how we engage with art, science and technology, with something for the whole family to enjoy. The festival is the official legacy project of Dublin City being named the European Capital of Science in 2012 and is the first festival of its kind in the world, selling out every year since its inception.

There will be free family-friendly playful days throughout the festival.

These include curious treasure trails, Lego building, rocket launches, shows and workshops that are sure to stimulate young, curious minds. Then, the older curious minds can enjoy a curated evening programme, which 14

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

promises to be a playful and lively fusion of science, art, culture and technology.

The Festival of Curiosity crosses the cultural, scientific, artistic and educational divides by bringing together the most innovative national and international strategic partners in Industry, Education, Cultural Institutes, Government, Media and Philanthropy who believe in forging a brighter future for Ireland and creating a culture of curiosity.

The Festival of Curiosity is supported by Dublin City Council, Matheson Foundation, The RDS and Science Foundation Ireland Discover and their 2015 partner The Royal Society of Chemistry. Tickets are sure to sell out fast, so make sure you snap yours up soon for this truly unique festival. www.festivalofcuriosity.ie

Composed by BILL WHELAN

Produced by MOYA DOHERTY

Directed by JOHN McCOLGAN

23 JUNE - 30 AUG TICKETMASTER: 0818 719 300 GAIETY BOX OFFICE: 0818 719 388 WWW.TICKETMASTER.IE WWW.RIVERDANCE.COM

JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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O'DONOVAN ROSSA

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inn Féin launch their 1916 commemoration programme this summer with a historical re enactment of a seminal moment in Irish History; the funeral of the “unrepentant Fenian” Jerimiah O’Donovan Rossa on 1st August.

O’Donovan Rossa was convicted of plotting a Fenian uprising in 1865 and sentenced to life in Pentonville prison in London. Manacled for 35 straight days for throwing a chamber pot at a prison warden he was elected MP for Tipperary in 1869 although this was later ruled void due to his status. Released into exile under the 1870 amnesty he travelled with John Devoy and three others aboard the SS Cuba to America where he became an overnight sensation in New York as one of the “Cuba Five”.

In 1915 when Thomas Clarke, who would later be executed for his part in the 1916 Rising, was informed of the death of the veteran Fenian Rossa by his friend John Devoy in New York, his response was “Send his body home at once” . Clarke realised that in planning and executing a ceremonial funeral for O’Donovan Rossa, the Irish Volunteers could use the occasion as a show of strength and to gain popular support for their cause.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Over a hundred thousand people turned out to watch the spectacle thronging Dame St and O’Connell street to see the cortege. At the graveside, a relatively unknown Patrick Pearse stepped forward to give a graveside oration that would go down in history, with the last section, now widely seen as the call to arms for the 1916 Rising.

“They think that they have pacified Ireland. They think that they have purchased half of us and intimidated the other half. They think that they have foreseen everything, think that they have provided against everything; but, the fools, the fools, the fools! — They have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace” On the exact 100th anniversary of the event Saturday 1st August 2015, commencing at 1pm at City Hall SQ . Re creating the pomp and circumstance of the original funeral cortege with a brass band leading, Irish Volunteer Cavalry outriders, horse drawn hearse and limousine containing the guests of honour the great grandsons of O’Donovan Rossa, uniformed marching guard of honour. Members of the public are encouraged to wear period dress for the occasion.

A limited edition re print of the original 1915 souvenir booklet is now available online from www.sinnfeinbookshop.com.

For full details all nationwide events planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising visit www.revolution1916.com

JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Pubs in Leinster The Stag’s Head

The Gravediggers

Hidden away just off of Dame Street, there’s been a tavern here on this corner for over 200 Years. And the Stags has long been a traditional haunt for Trinity students, and for the stars of film and television that they grow up to become. Whilst downstairs you can see comedy on Mondays or Irish Trad at the

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The Celt

“John Kavanagh The Gravediggers, established in 1833 and still run by the Kavanagh Family today. One of Dublin’s finest bars and best pint of Plain. No music no TV, but fine pints and fine food served. Beside the old cemetery gate hence our local name The Gravediggers�

Johnnie Fox’s

1 Prospect Sq., Dublin 9. Tel: 01 8307978

Situated on Talbot Street in the heart of Dublin, The Celt Bar is always thronged with locals and visitors thanks to the authentic Irish experience that is on offer there. Visitors can sample the finest Irish whiskeys, beers, ales and stouts and enjoy live traditional music seven nights a week. The Celt also offer traditional Irish food seven days a week. The classic bar menu includes beer battered haddock and traditional beef and Guinness stew. There’s no better place to go to for the full Irish experience than The Celt Bar. 81 Talbot St, Dublin Tel: 01 878 8655 www.thecelt.ie

Grogan’s

This is the regular hang-out for Dublin’s finest writers and painters, or the great unwashed, and the walls inside are decked out with paintings and drawings which can, for a small sum, be purchased. Improbably, it is also part of one of the most fashionable mini crossroads in the city centre. And at weekends, the place is humming.

15 S William St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01 677 9320 18

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Dice Bar

Situated on the corner of Benburb Street and Queen Street, near Smithfield Square, at Dice Bar they strive for three things – great drinks, great staff and great music. The welcoming staff offer a range of premium Irish whiskeys and if whiskey isn’t your thing then you have another great option. Dice Bar brew their own beers; the delicious Revolution Red and Augustine With so much choice and a relaxed setting, Dice Bar warrants many return visits.

Open from 3pm daily.

Set high up in the heart of the Dublin mountains, Fox’s is an institution. Superb food and a unique atmosphere, there’s Irish trad here every night, and at weekends in the afternoons as well. And there’s a shuttle bus that gets you there and back in 30 minutes for a fiver either way. But be sure to book, as it’s one of the most popular pubs in Leinster.

93-94 Benburb Street Tel: 01 633 3936 www.thatsitdublin.com

Glencullen, Co Dublin Tel: 01 295 5647

Recommended Pubs in Leinster 57 The Headline

Sin É

JJ Smyth’s

Sin É

Situated only a short walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral & Teeling Whiskey Distillery , 57 The Headline is the ideal spot to sample the best of Irish Craft Beers & Whiskeys.

With 24 taps dedicated to the best of Irish & International beers, you won’t be stuck for choice. They offer Beer tasting trays from 3 to 9 choices & 5 Whiskey trays. They also serve the best bar food in Dublin 8 and you won’t be paying city centre prices. Visit website for all products, opening times and more.

Sin É on Ormond Quay is Dublin’s original late night alternative music venue. Whether it’s bluegrass, ska, alternative rock or open mic night’s that you’re looking for, Sin É caters for a range of eclectic tastes. The staff are warm and friendly and will serve you a range of incredible craft beers and cocktails at agreeable prices. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and some of the best musicians in Dublin then Sin É is definitely the place to be.

Clanbrassil St. Lower, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 5320279 www.57theheadline.ie

14 -15 Ormond Quay Tel: 01 555 4036 & 01 555 4037

With live music six nights a week, JJ Smyth’s is the home of jazz and blues in Dublin. The family run pub is steeped in history and the welcoming atmosphere keeps the loyal regulars coming back for the finest service and some of the best music that Dublin has to offer. JJ’s started out as a family owned grocery store and public house in the 1730’s and is one of the city’s oldest continuous licensed premises.

It was also the birthplace of the famous Irish lyrical poet Thomas Moore, who was born there in 1779. If you love jazz and blues, then you’ll love JJ Smyth’s.

The Porterhouse

Doheny & Nesbitt’s

12 Aungier St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 475 2565

There are three now here in town, but the one on Parliament Street is the best known. part of the increasingly popular micro brewery scene, the Porterhouse produces its own choice of stouts, lagers and craft beers, as well as a choice of others from home and abroad. And they usually have live music playing on the mezzanine.

Temple Bar, 16-8 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 679 8847

One of the oldest and more venerable pubs in Dublin, and traditionally the spot where politicians of old would juggle figures before swinging round the corner and into the Dail to present the next budget. It has now been extended both back and up, so that without sacrificing any of its illustrious history, it is now significantly roomier.

5 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 676 2945

The Liquor Rooms

Situated under the Clarence Hotel on the quays, the Liquors Rooms offer up a heady mix of retro, vintage decor and a smart modern vibe that the too cool for school hipsters find hard to resist. Once you get in, it’s actually a lot bigger than it seems, and there are all sorts of nooks and crannies for you to get up to who knows what kind of mischief.

7 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 Tel: 087 339 3688

JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Riverdance

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he sensational Riverdance returns to Ireland for its 20th anniversary show.

Having already played 37 European countries and 25 cities across China, Riverdance returns for its 12th summer season in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin from 23rd June until 30th August. Few could have predicted the success of Riverdance when it began life as the interval act of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest.

That performance left mouths agape and received a prolonged standing ovation, eventually leading to the development of the full Riverdance show, which premiered in Dublin in February 1995.

Since then, Riverdance has played over 11,000 performances, been seen by 25 million people in 465 venues worldwide and sold over 3 million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD. The

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

spectacular show was developed into a full length stage show by Producer Moya Doherty, Composer Bill Whelan and Director John McColgan. It is a unique fusion of Irish and international music and dance that has broken box office records all over the world and now it’s coming home for what is sure to be a special run of performances to mark the 20th anniversary.

If you’re visiting Dublin this summer then you can’t afford to miss the worldwide phenomenon that is Riverdance. www.ticketmaster.ie Tel: 0818 719 388 Group booking: 01 648 6029 / group.sales@ticketmaster.ie Wheelchair & box bookings: 01 679 5622 www.gaietytheatre.ie

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Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Restaurant FortyOne

Frite Haus

Under the expert guidance of Graham Neville, Restaurant FortyOne has scooped numerous awards and flourished over the past three years. This is thanks to the superb experience that they offer, eschewing butter and sugar in favour of olive oil, vegetables and fruit juices that are sourced from the restaurant’s own garden. These unique ingredients are used to create fulsome, sumptuous courses, making Restaurant FortyOne the home of fine dining in Dublin.

Frite Haus offer a unique artisan fast food experience with care and attention given to every aspect of the menu. A relaxed Belgian style ‘Chip Shop’ restaurant, Frite Haus serve authentic Belgian fries with a range of craft sauces and delicious Jane Russell sausages. Jane Russell sausages use only prime fresh cuts of Irish pork, free from preservatives so you know that you are getting the finest, freshest meat.

They also serve a fantastic range of craft beers, including delicious Belgian Trappist Brewery beers. Frite Haus is the only choice for a fine dining experience at very reasonable prices.

41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 662 0000 info@restaurantfortyone.ie www.restaurantfortyone.ie

Le Bon Crubeen

87 Camden Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 4758948 www.frite-haus.com

Chez Max

Hugos

At Hugo’s, they take great pleasure in bringing you smart, friendly, professional service, coupled with French/Irish cuisine. The Head Chef, Kieran Guilmartin, and his team work tirelessly to bring you the finest dishes using the best of Irish fare. Provenance is a key part of their ethos and menus. They are also passionate about their wines, serving over 40 by the glass. Hugo’s is ideal for any occasion, casual or business, with family and friends.

The perfect atmosphere.

6 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 676 5955 info@hugos.ie www.hugos.ie

Café Topolis

This is one of the best value restaurants in Dublin with a brasserie menu to suit all tastes.

It won the Best Value Restaurant Dublin in “The Dubliner” Top 100 restaurants in 2012, having previously won the Irish Restaurant Awards’ Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Dublin in 2010. Value and quality.

81-2 Talbot St., Dublin 1 Tel: 01 704 1026 www.leboncrubeen.ie

My Meat Wagon

Feel the spirit of France right here in Dublin!

Chez Max Baggot Street is renowned for its outside seating area. There is smart garden at restaurant level as well as sizable terrace on the upper level. The outside areas are well-heated and covered to allow customers to dine outside all year round! In summer diners flock Chez Max baggot Street to enjoy lunch in the sunshine.

133 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 661 8899

Camden Kitchen

Situated on Parliament St, Café Topolis is one of the best Italian restaurants in town with an extensive menu offering superior Italian cuisine. Best of all, it’s one of the very few places where they cook their pizzas in the traditional wood fired oven.

37 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 670 4961

Corfu Greek Restaurant

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If you love your meat, then you’ll love My Meat Wagon on Smithfield Market Square. The staff are warm and friendly and the ambience and decor are just perfect. But above all, the food is simply delicious. Diners can choose from a range of sumptuous, smoky barbecue meals, including ribs, chicken and the best burgers in town. The portions are generous and reasonably priced and they have a wide selection of beers and wine. For the perfect summer dining experience, look no further than My Meat Wagon.

A culinary gem in the heart of Dublin, Camden Kitchen is the place to go to for lunch or dinner. Their menu changes daily to reflect the best seasonal ingredients available, meaning you know that you’ll be served fresh, seasonal food every time. Diners can choose from beautiful starters such as Irish Line Caught Mackerel, Connemara Crab Meat or Whipped Goats Cheese and then move on to delicious main courses, like Breckland Duck Leg, Irish Rib Eye Beef and Smoked Haddock Risotto, all served up in a wonderful cosy atmosphere by the friendly staff.

Corfu Greek Restaurant is a hidden gem situated on Parliament Street. Here, the friendly and attentive staff will serve you some of the finest Greek food at incredibly reasonable prices. Choose from a range of starters, such as calamari and dolmadakia, and then tuck into some delicious traditional Greek main courses, including moussaka, kleftiko and stifado, all washed down with a nice glass of wine from their varied wine list.

Smithfield Market Square, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 874 8172 www.mymeatwagon.ie

3 Camden Market, Grantham Street, D8 Tel: 01 4760125 www.camdenkitchen.ie

12 Parliament St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 675 0050

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Recommended Restaurants in Leinster The Blind Pig

Whether it’s for an Italian coffee, a sweet or savoury snack or a full meal with wine, you can call in here for continental cuisine, exemplary service and great value.

Zaytoon

236 Rathmines Rd Lwr., Dublin 6.

Tel: 01 497 7057 www.kafka.ie

Peploe’s Want to know where to find the best cocktails in Dublin? We know the place but you have to keep it secret. The brainchild of award winning mixologist Paul Lambert and named after the police who turned a blind eye to speakeasies in the prohibition era in the US, The Blind Pig is Dublin’s best kept secret and the perfect place to go to enjoy the finest cocktails and the best food that Dublin has to offer. Originally a pop-up speakeasy bar, The Blind Pig is now in permanent residence and has developed a loyal fanbase thanks to the unique experience that this venue offers. So how do you find them?

Give them a call, book through their website, and await further instructions.

Tel: 085 874 7901 www.theblindpig.ie reservations@theblindpig.ie

Whitefriar Grill

Peploe’s Wine Bistro is a chic and ambient restaurant located in the heart of Dublin City Centre. With it’s cosy lighting and comfortable spacious dining area, it is the perfect place to enjoy a fine meal in a relaxed atmosphere. All produce is sourced from only the best Irish suppliers and prepared to the highest standard.

Located opposite St Stephens Green, Peploe’s is the perfect place to visit for a glass of wine to greet the evening after a twilight stroll in the park.

Zaytoon gives you the chance to choose a healthy eating option and indulge in the guilty pleasure of treating yourself to a scrumptious kebab. More a casual diner than a fast food place, they offer the very best of Persian cuisine. And as well as the one in Temple Bar they’ve opened a second one at the top of Camden Street.

14/15 Parliament St., Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 3595 www.zaytoon.ie

ASADOR

16 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel: 01 676 3144 www.peploes.com

Zaragoza

They pride themselves on putting brunch back on the menu, and in producing the best brunch in Dublin. But there’s a lot more than that going on at this superior smart casual restaurant. Their latest Ribs N Rump gives you a 14oz steak and a choice of ribs plus 2 sides for just g40 on Sunday nights.

16 Aungier St, Dublin 2.

Tel: 01 475 9003 www.whitefriargrill.ie

Kafka Restaurant

The Spanish city of Zaragoza is any food lover’s idea of paradise. Zaragoza have taken some local delicacies along with some of Spain’s authentic specialties to create a unique dining experience.... seasoned with a generous helping of the homegrown hospitality they are famous for. So come down, sit back and explore the tantalizing recipes created by their chef and enjoy with friends a glass or two of their exquisite handpicked wines.

Open Mon-Sun 12noon - Midnight (last orders) 18 William St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01 679 4020 www.zaragozadublin.com

‘ASADOR’ A Spanish word meaning barbecue, grill or spit. ASADOR Haddington Road opened its doors in November 2012 to great critical acclaim. The idea behind ASADOR is simple; take the best meats our fields can provide, the freshest seafood landed on our shores and cook this great Irish produce over a bespoke built 7 foot barbecue or ‘Asador’. ASADOR was the first restaurant operation to bring premium level barbecue to the Dublin dining scene. Customers flocked to sample signature dry-aged steaks, lobster, fish and game cooked in the most ancient of ways.

Guests can expect the best of old and new world wines, craft beers and of course a range of cocktails from the experienced team of mixologists - the perfect partner for premium barbecued food.

ASADOR, the balance of flames, flavour and food.

1 Victoria House, Haddington Rd, Dublin 4.

Tel: 01 254 5353 www.asador.ie JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Peploe's

P

eploe’s Wine Bistro is a must visit restaurant in Dublin, informal yet sophisticated, serving great wine and classic dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant offers a wine list with over 164 fine wines including 24 by the glass.

At Peploe’s they take their wine very seriously and source directly from suppliers in France and Italy.

The Peploe’s building itself dates from the 1760’s and is classic Georgian Dublin. It was a rather ambitious project to develop the basement location as it housed an 18 tonne steel door and is a listed building. 350 tonnes of concrete were taken from the site and in 2000 Peploe’s opened its doors to an incredible buzz of interest.

The décor has the feel of a long established, stylish gentleman’s club, with comfortable leather chairs, Kilkenny-marble topped tables in the front and reclaimed oakpanelled floor and walls. The dining room is colourful and atmospheric with a fascinating mural running the length of the dining room wall.

As the restaurant is named after the renowned Scottish Colourist, 24

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Samuel John Peploe, reproductions of his artwork and that of the other Scottish Colourists (commissioned from young Irish artists) adorn the walls. In a touch of style, these are framed with original 19th century frames sourced in London.

Peploe’s is open 7 days per week from 12 midday serving, lunch, early evening, pre theatre and a la carte menus. A selection of dishes could include Summer Salad, Faisselle, Peach Chutney, Fresh Peach, Grilled Chicken & Watercress followed

by Marrow Crusted Sirloin of Irish Beef with Hand Cut Chips & Peppercorn Sauce, finishing with Raspberry & Mango Eton Mess with Apple Sorbet & Raspberry Jelly.

Peploe’s would like to offer readers of Travel Ireland Magazine the opportunity to dine with them, on them. To be in with a chance to win a dining voucher visit www.peploes.com/TIM and come sample this City Centre escape at the heart of Dublin.

16 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6763144 www.peploes.com

ALL ABOARD TO EXPERIENCE THE

&

MAGIC OF RAIL! The magic of rails golden age is brought to life in Kilmeadan. Buy your ticket in a converted railway Carriage. Meet the conductor to get it checked.

On the 12km rail journey experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a partially opened carriage, get a glimpse into Mount Congreve Gardens and travel trough the Magic Wood.

Independent Bottler of the year

2014

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Monday - Saturday: 11am - 4pm Sunday: 12noon - 5pm Family fun days Wednesday & Sunday.

Trips depart on the hour.

Ireland’s Whiskey Experts!

27-28 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Ph: +353 (0) 1 675 9744 INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING @Celticwhiskey or @Winesonthegreen or www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

TravelIreland_95mmx142mm.indd 1

Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, Kilmeadan, Co.Waterford

t: 051 384058 e: info@wsvrailway.ie

21/05/2015 10:17

www.wsvrailway.ie

Welcome to Munster Munster is the most southerly of the four provinces of Ireland and stretches from Tipperary in the South Midlands to Waterford in the South East, and from Clare, Limerick and Kerry down to Cork in the South.The entire area is famed for Irish traditional music, song and dance. There are many ancient castles and monasteries in the province, and coupled with the vast green countryside and its three cities (Limerick, Cork and Waterford) Munster is a must see destination for tourists.

Fota Wildlife Park

Bunratty Castle Bunratty Castle in County Clare is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

Travelling down the coast, Limerick is the next port of call which this year has been designated as Ireland’s first City of Culture.

From theatres to outdoor music events, museums to festivals, Limerick has an eclectic mix of sights and sounds to suit all tastes.

Limerick County Limerick also incorporates the Foynes Estuary with its world famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum. The museum tells the story of the Pan Am Clipper aircraft which brought commercial flights from America to our shores, landing in the estuary itself. It includes the only full-scale model of a Boeing B-314 Flying Boat anywhere in the world.

The Rose of Tralee is the most famous Festival in Kerry and this internationally acclaimed festival comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a truly Irish experience.

The festival celebrates its 55th year this year and commences with the International Rose Ball on the 15th of August before culminating with the selection of the 2014 Rose of Tralee in the magnificent dome four days later. There is a packed programme of events during the week for all to enjoy.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

One of Munster’s most famous landmarks the Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary is the historical seat of the Kings of Munster. The outcrop on which the Castle and grounds stand is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Munster. The spectacular group of medieval buildings are set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale and include the 12th century round tower, the High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, the 13th century Gothic cathedral, the 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.

Tel: 062 61437 Email: rockofcashel@opw.ie County Cork is well worth the drive as it has sandy beaches, the wonderful Blarney Castle, Foto Wildlife Park and golf course, wonderful coastlines and a city nightlife to rival any of that in Europe. Travel from east to west or north to south in this sprawling county and there is a view, an historical point of interest or an adventure to explore.

Finally at the extreme South East of the island of Ireland is Waterford. Waterford is the capital of the ‘Sunny South East of Ireland’

Blarney Castle

and Ireland’s oldest city. The city and county is famous throughout the world as the home of Waterford Crystal. A visit to the House of Crystal visitor centre includes an opportunity to choose from the world’s largest selection of Waterford Crystal. The factory tour offers first hand access to all areas of traditional crystal production.

County Waterford offers a dazzling 147 kilometres coastline, with 49 beaches, beautiful river valleys, lakes and two dramatic ranges of very accessible mountains.

Discover a wildly romantic, luxurious coastal Inn Discover a wildly romantic, luxury coastal Inn The Strand Inn on Dunmore East Beach exudes charm and seaside fun with all the style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Owned by the Foyle family, this 15-bedroom Inn is rich in heritage and is located overlooking a glorious sandy beach and Hook Head.

We look forward to welcoming you to the home of lingering breakfasts, long lunches and lazy suppers. Sheltering on a cliff overlooking Dunmore East beach, the Strand Inn is a friendly place for all seasons - blustery and wild, romantic and surprising, sunny and warm - all the elements that ensure seaside fun. The young are welcomed with their very own bucket and spades, for days to be spent hitting the rock pools and surrounding waters.

Enjoy a glass of something chilled on the terrace to kick start a relaxing stay in Waterford, full of luxuries and simple pleasures.

Absolute comfort and contemporary seaside chic, the sea facing, en-suite rooms offer a fresh and light barefoot beach ambience, with crisp bed linen, bespoke fabrics and all the elements expected of a special bolt hole. Sunbathe on a private terrace overlooking the ever changing

coastal views and then dine in the fabled Strand Inn restaurant.

The kitchen’s mantra is freshness and seasonality, underpinned by a deep rooted respect for the surrounding waters and pastures. Look forward to superb Irish beef, lobster and line caught seafood.

Beamed ceilings, original stone walls, planked floors, books and board games all await you in the bar and drawing room. A welcoming stove and the lure of a proper pint makes it feel special and secluded here. You cannot imagine the sunrises or sunsets until you get here. Never more than a window away from a fabulous view of Dunmore East, a few days here, even just a night, and you will feel good all over.

PERFECT FOR INTIMATE WEDDINGS For your Wedding or Special Celebration why not have the ultimate treat, The Strand Inn can be exclusively yours for up to 150 guests.

The essence of understated elegance. Pictureperfect for the most intimate and memorable weddings celebrations. The Foyle family look forward to welcoming you.

The Strand Inn • Dunmore East • Co. Waterford • P: 00 353 (0)51 383174 • F:00 353 ( 0) 51 383756 • E. thestrandinn@mail.com www.thestrandinn.com

JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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WATERFORD

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Recommended Pubs in Munster Jack Meades (under the bridge) Set on 5 acres of impeccably kept lawns, this sprawling complex boasts a number of bars.

The old world bar it has dates back to 1705, whilst its lime kiln and ice house were built around 1860. But there is also a modern bar, and an extensive beer garden looking down over the gardens and streams. And good quality food is served here throughout the day.

Dunmore Rd, Waterford Tel: 051 850 950

The Bierhaus

There are over 220 different beers to choose from here, including 6 rotating guest draught taps and a cask. So whether you are looking for a bottle or draught, an international or an Irish beer, there’s a reasonably good chance you’ll find it here. And they spend as much time on getting the atmosphere right as they do on choosing their beers.

An Brog

An Brog has been attending to fans of alternative and indie music for over 20 years now, and they’ve a constantly evolving roster of Djs and live bands catering to all and every musical taste. And best of all, they are open til 2 in the morning, seven days a week.

72-73 Oliver Plunkett St, Cork Tel: 021 427 0074

Buckley’s Bar

The oak panelled walls and turf fire are the perfect accompaniment to the many musicians who drop in here for the impromptu sessions that seem to be forever going on here. Both bar and hotel have been welcoming visitors since it opened in 1926. And many people either begin their trip around the kingdom there, or base themselves there for its duration.

The Arbutus Hotel, College St, Killarney, Co Kerry.

Tel: 064 663 1037

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Dick Mack’s

Named after the leather craftsman, this small and gloriously “busy” pub still sells hand made leather ware inside at the shop to one side. Its walls are drowned in archaic photographs, and outside there’s a star studded pavement where the likes of Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery and Julia Roberts have left their mark. For many, many people, this is what they imagine when they conjure up the image of an Irish pub.

Greene St, Dingle, Co Kerry Tel: 066 915 1960

Pope’s Quay, Cork Tel: 021 455 1648

Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant Dolan’s is made up of three venues, two outdoor areas, a traditional Irish pub and a restaurant. So there’s music here every day of the week, and they’ll serve you your breakfast, lunch and dinner as you require. Some of the many guests who’ve enjoyed their hospitality include Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Sharon Shannon and Imelda May. 3-4 Dock Rd, Limerick Tel: 061 314 483 (ext 1)

Recommended Restaurants in Munster The Strand Inn

Overlooking Hook Head, The Strand Inn on Dunmore East Beach in Waterford is the perfect place to enjoy lingering breakfasts, relax over a long lunch or enjoy intimate, romantic suppers. The kitchen’s mantra is freshness and seasonality. Diners can look forward to the finest Irish beef, lobster and line caught seafood in a luxurious setting, characterised by beamed ceilings, original stone walls and planked floors. Perfect for everything from family meals to intimate weddings.

Diners can choose from a range of locally sourced food, such as Kilmore crab claws, sautéed Tiger Prawns or Portobello mushroom bruschetta to start and Irish Hereford sirloin steak, grilled fillet of salmon or pan-roasted Dunmore Cod as main courses. The Copper Hen offers an unforgettable casual dining experience that visitors to Waterford can’t miss out on.

Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Tel: 051 330 300 www.thecopperhen.ie

Out of the Blue

La Boheme offers a unique experience for lovers of fine dining, with its location in the basement of one of Waterford’s foremost prestigious buildings. Head Chef Eric Theze uses fresh locally sourced produce, providing guests with exquisitely presented delectable dishes. Christine ensures that all are greeted with a warm welcome, with the belief in treating each guest as if they are being welcomed into their own home. A blend of fine dining and wine bar with bistro menu options, qualifies La Boheme as a hidden gem in the heart of Waterford City.

Tues - Sat 5:30pm until late (Open bank holiday Sundays) 2 George’s St., Waterford. Tel: 051 875 645 www.labohemerestaurant.ie

An Canteen

Dunmore East, Co.Waterford.

Tel: 051 383 174 www.thestrandinn.com

The Cliff Restaurant

The Cliff Restaurant is a new addition to The Strand Inn. The Cliff is a relaxed, casual affair serving brunch from 1pm, and is open for food until 9pm. The Cliff contains a bar and two dining rooms. Downstairs is kid friendly, while upstairs is kid free making it the perfect place for both a family occasion or an evening meal with friends. The menu is wide ranging and includes pizzas, pastas, great salads and burgers, as well as delicious steaks. There is also a Private Function room with separate bar and heated smoking area for 80 people that is ideal for birthdays, christenings, parties and launches.

Dunmore East, Co.Waterford.

Tel: 051 383 839

The Copper Hen

They serve only the freshest, most succulent fish and shellfish here, which they have delivered every day, literally, from the sea outside their front door. And if there’s no fish on a particular day, then they won’t open the restaurant. A certain Mr. Paul Hewson, aka Bono is a fan. So book early to avoid disappointment.

Small quaint front room restaurant with locally sourced high quality ingredients making this little gem a must visit when in Dingle.

Dingle Harbour. Tel: 066 915 0811

Dykgate St., Dingle. Tel: 086 660 3778

Milesian

Restaurant Chez – K’s @ The Fitzwilton Hotel

Greg O’Mahonny took over as head chef here in 2010 after spells at some of the best restaurants in Spain and Dublin, including the Mugaritz in San Sebastian and L’Ecrivain in Dublin. And he takes the very best of local Kerry produce and gives them some wonderfully sophisticated flavours.

Mail St., Castlegregory, Co Kerry Tel: 087 979 4337

The Copper Hen Restaurant is situated above Mother McHugh’s Pub on the Copper Coast between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford. The restaurant was opened in November 2010 by award-winning chef Eugene Long and his wife Sinead Frisby. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the food is reasonably priced.

La Bohéme Restaurant & Wine Bar

The multi award winning Chez – K’s is recognised as being one of the ‘must-do’ restaurants in Waterford City. Chez – K’s offers a fine dining option to guests who can enjoy a European style menu created from the finest of locally sourced ingredients. All this can be enjoyed in the relaxing surroundings of a restaurant that offers an electric atmosphere.

Try their Wine & Dine special for €24.50pp.

Not to be missed!

Bridge Street, Waterford City Tel: 051 846 900 www.fitzwiltonhotel.ie

The Ventry Skipper

This little gem is just what the weary traveller needs after a day of sight seeing-with amazing views accompanied by great seafood and an extensive wine list you really cant go wrong.

Ventry, Co Kerry Tel: 066 915 9853 JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Explore Munster

Cliffs of Moher

Stretching for eight kilometres along the coastline and standing at 214 metres at their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher give the visitor a panoramic view out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It is said that on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway bay, over the twelve pins and the Blasket Islands off the coast of Kerry. When there you really should ascend O’Briens Tower which has been used as a viewing point for centuries past.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

And notwithstanding how impressive an example it is of a medieval castle, this is probably because of the famous stone you will there at the top of the tower. People from all over the world have climbed up there to kiss it in the hope of acquiring the gift of the gab. Which needless to say they duly receive.

Tel: 021 438 5252 30

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The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum has artefacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Olmec civilisation. There is also an important collection of Irish archaeological material ranging from Neolithic flints, Bronze Age material, and Christian art.

One of the strengths of the collection is the medieval material, which include statues in stone and wood, painted panels, jewellery, enamels, ivories, ceramics, crystal and crucifixes. Plus work from Picasso, Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore.

Tel: 061 312 833 www.huntmuseum.com

The Burren

The Burren, from the Gaelic word Boireann is an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams.

With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again.

To Begin to discover the secrets of the Burren, a walk through the Burren Centre Exhibition is essential.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry ( Irish: Mórchuaird Chiarraí) is not a ring in the conventional sense but a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry. Clockwise from Killarney it follows the N71 to Kenmare, then the N70 around the Iveragh Peninsula to Killorglin, passing through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh, before returning to Killarney via the N72.

The scenery along this route is spectacular to behold and the route takes you through the Gap of Dunloe, the Bog Village, past Rossbeigh Beach, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, The Blue Pool, Ross Castle, the Ogham Stones, and many more visitor attractions.

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle in County Clare is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

Browse the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. You can explore at your own leisure or join in a guided tour with the experienced guides. At night time the castle is the impressive setting for the medieval castle banquets which are held all year round.

Come Celebrate with us in 2016 Clare - A County of Culture & Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Loop Head Lighthouse

Music session, Ennis

Surfing in County Clare

Clare.ie

AILLWEE CAVE

& BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE

Get 20% off joint admission when you mention Travel Ireland Magazine

Aillwee Cave & Bird of Prey Centre, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare | Tel: 065 707 7036 | www.aillweecave.ie JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Kenmare

K

enmare, the Jewel in Kerry’s Crown. Most people in Kerry will tell you that the reason that county is known throughout the rest of Ireland as “The Kingdom” is because of the regal success they continually enjoy at Gaelic football.

But for the tourists that flock there from all over the world every year, it is because of the royal welcome they receive on arriving there.

And the jewel in Kerry’s crown is undoubtedly Kenmare.

This picturesque town is the perfect location from which to discover the South West of Ireland, linking the internationally famous Ring of Kerry with the rugged Ring of Beara. And the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the town was officially acknowledged when the Irish Tourist Board made it the very first Heritage Town in the country.

Kenmare town is a veritable haven of tranquility, gourmet food, superb accommodation and breathtaking scenery in one of the most natural and unspoilt environments in Ireland. And it’s the perfect halting spot to rest and recuperate as you make your way around the justly famous Ring Of Kerry. This begins from the town 32

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

of Killarney, which is the only place from which you should ever begin your trip around the ring - though technically of course, you could come in the other direction via Killorglin.

Once you’ve made your way into Kerry’s genuinely spectacular National Park from Killarney you’ll naturally need somewhere to sit down to take some refreshment.

And there really is no better place to do so than at the Park Hotel Kenmare, in the town itself, about half an hour’s drive from Killarney.

Though that off course will depend on how much time you’ve spent stopping off on the way to take in the truly spectacular views you’ll be greeted with on your way there.

There are any number of places to stop off at in Kenmare. But a Bloody Mary at the Park Hotel, enjoying the spectacular backdrop that it offers, with the equally famous hospitality that John and Francis Brennan provide there really is the only way to properly enjoy the Ring of Kerry.

And if you want to justify that kind of indulgence, why take the walk along the old road from Killarney to Kenmare? It’s about 24 km, and will take you around five hours. But it’s a fantastic way

to spend a day in Kerry. And you’ll really enjoy that drink once you arrive in Kenmare.

There are also a huge range of events taking place in Kenmare in July. Visitors can enjoy Irish dancing shows every Monday and Wednesday in Casey’s Restaurant. The Ring of Kerry takes place on 4th July. The Kenmare Bay Hotel has a Wedding Showcase event on 5th July. The Kenmare Choral Festival Garden party takes place on 11th July. The Eyeries Family Festival is on 17th July and Live on the Pier takes place in Dromquinna on 19th July.

Whether it is walking on the mountains, cruising on the bay, horse riding, golfing, fishing, touring or soaking up the best of music, all roads lead to Kenmare. www.kenmare.ie

Kenmare Antiques

A wonderful place to pick up unique items from times past!

14 Henry Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry 064 6642788, 086 3150923 www.kenmareantiques.com kenmare.antiques@gmail.com

CashmereIreland.com

by Sue Designer Knits 20 Henry Street, Kenmare, Ireland Email: info@cashmereireland.com Tel: 064 6648986

French Seafood Restaurant Seaside Views Outdoor Terrace Menu Du Jour A La Carte Available 12am to 9.30pm 20 Henry Street, Kenmare, Ireland Email: info@cashmereireland.com Tel: 064 6648986

ventryskipper@hotmail.com www.theskipperventry.com Ventry Village Dingle Peninsula Co Kerry +353 (0)66 91 59 853 , +353 (0)85 27 87 958 JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Féile LÚGHNASA

B

ased on the old Celtic harvest festival, Féile Lúghnasa takes place in Cloghane and Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula from 24th to 27th July. Lúghnasa marks the beginning of the harvest season and the harvest festival is believed to go back 2000 years.

The festival was revived by the local community in 1995 and this festival remains a community achievement, organised by the local committee and volunteers. Events range from mini triathlons and tug of wars to the more traditional sheaf tossing, with the festival made possible thanks to a grant that they received from Failte Ireland this year.

The day of Lúghnasa is celebrated on the Sunday of the festival, starting with a guided pilgrimage up Mount Brandon. The pilgrimage is recognised as one of the most important mountaintop ceremonies in Ireland, listed alongside the likes of Croagh Patrick.

This is followed by a wide range of events, including pet shows, best dressed teddies and tractor pulling. The festival is then rounded off by an adult fancy dress parade, which anybody can take part in, and music in the local bars and a marquee that has seen headliners such as The High Kings and Walking On Cars perform over the past few years.

Féile Lúghnasa is a cultural and fun weekend for all and not to be missed. www.facebook.com/feilelughnasa www.cloghanebrandon.com/feile-lughnasa-festival 34

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

MILESIAN GARDEN Delicatessen/ Coffeehouse

NOW OPEN!!

The Milesians head chef Greg O Mahony is delighted to be at the helm for another season. This will be Greg’s 10th Summer at the helm of this fantastic eatery. Greg brings his passion and knowledge of food to the Milesian. During the Winter Greg fine tunes his skills by working in some of the finest restaurant’s including Dublin’s L’ecrevain, San Sebastian’s Mugaritz and arguably Ireland’s best restaurant, the Michelin starred Chapter One.

Choose from our Extensive A La Carte Menu

or try our Early Bird Menu 5pm - 6.30pm

2 Courses x17 / 3 Courses x20 ...a Real Treat!

“Five Star Menu at Three Star Prices!”

“Definitely one of Kerry’s best kept secrets every summer!”

Open 7 days

County Clare Whether you’re looking to relax on beautiful beaches and top class golf courses or are on a voyage of discovery taking in some stunning natural wonders, the county of Clare has something for you.Visitors to this beautiful county on the West coast of Ireland can enjoy surfing on the beach at Lahinch or take in a round of golf at some famous courses, including Dromoland Castle, Doonbeg Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club. If you’re looking to explore some natural wonders, then Clare is also the place to go, with the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Aillwee Caves all waiting to be explored.

T

he unique karst region of the Burren is a sight to behold. It was formed over 340 million years ago and has been shaped through the ages by glacial, tectonic and solutional processes. Beneath these sheets of limestone lie caves that have recently been excavated to 36

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show signs of prehistoric usage.

The Burren is also home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. In fact, it is home to over 70% of Ireland’s 900 native species of flowers.

Sustainable travel is encouraged across the Burren and there’s a great incentive to take the bike out and cycle across this stunning

landscape - the ‘free cup of tea if you cycle to me’ scheme. Cyclists can refresh with a free cup of tea when they cycle to participating businesses around the Burren region, including Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey centre, Doolin Hostel, The Burren Smokehouse, Wild Kitchen, The Burren Centre, Hotel Doolin, The Boghill Centre and Kilfenora Hostel.

Another historical site that is well worth a visit is the “jewel of the Lough Derg”, Holy Island. still used as a burial ground, the ruins and buildings that stand on Holy Island date back to the 7th century when the monastic site was established by St Caimin. Buildings that still stand on the site include a 24 metre high Round Tower, an Oratory and a number of churches.

The Aillwee Cave and the Birds of Prey Centre offer visitors a range of exciting activities, including a 35 minute guided tour of Aillwee Cave where visitors can marvel at beautiful caverns, the frozen waterfall and hibernation chambers of the long extinct brown bears. The Birds of Prey Centre is home to one of the largest and most varied collection of Birds of Prey in Ireland and visitors can enjoy daily flying displays set against the spectacular Burren Landscape.

No trip to Clare is complete without a visit to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

Standing 214m at their highest point and stretching for 8 kilometres along the Atlantic, on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maumturk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and

the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry. It’s a mind blowing, humbling view and an unforgettable experience.

The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands can be reached by ferries that run from the new 65 metre Doolin Pier, which was recently opened by Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin.

Clare is the home of traditional music in Ireland and hosts over 150 cultural festivals and events each year. Next year this will include the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will be hosted in Ennis for the first time since 1977. This celebration of Irish music and culture is expected to draw over 300,000 visitors to the county capital in 2016 and there will be a number of events celebrating Clare as a county of culture in the run up to the main event.

During your stay in Clare, you’re going to need some top quality accommodation and Liscannor Holiday Village is the ideal place to base yourself while you explore all that the county has to offer. These self-catering homes offer easy access to the local sandy beach, on site tennis courts, and are only 100m from local shops, pubs and restaurants.

As well as being close to all of Clare’s major attractions, Liscannor is the ideal family holiday destination, with local pitch & putt, pony trekking and Moher Hill Open Farm all close by. In addition to farm animals, Moher Hill Open Farm offers a wide range of activities including karting, a ball pool, a bouncing castle and mini golf. A trip to The Aran Islands is also easily arranged from Liscannor, with daily

ferries leaving from Doolin Harbour just 20 minutes away.

With high quality accommodation, stunning natural wonders and a range of entertainment to keep the whole family happy, the county of Clare is just begging to be explored this summer. www.clarecoco.ie

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Welcome to Connaught

Ancient stone walls in the Aran Islands

The province of Connaught lies in the West of Ireland with its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway and Roscommon make up this geographically diverse region with the Atlantic Ocean to its westerly boundary, and the midlands of Roscommon to the East. It is the least populated with a population of just over 400,000.

Historically, Connaught has retained its rich Gaelic heritage and today still has communities where the Irish language only is spoken amongst them. But English is the primary second language. These regions are collectively called the Gaeltacht. The remote and beautiful Aran Islands off the mainland of County Galway are also part of the Gaeltacht.

The primary business centre of Connaught,

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and the most densely populated area is the thriving city of Galway to the south of the province. Although Sligo City, Carrick on Shannon, and Boyle are all fine business and shopping centres in their own right.

Connaught has some of the most scenic and unspoilt countryside to be found in Ireland, including the spectacular mountainous landscape of Connemara, the lock gates and river banks of the Shannon Waterway, the famed Galway Bay and the historic glens of County Leitrim. Couple these with the beautiful Ashford Castle in Mayo near to Cong where the film ‘The Quiet Man ‘ was filmed, and the natural serenity of Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon, and a tour of this region is a must for all.

For those interested in a religious experience

Mayo is famed for Knock Shrine where on the 21st August, 1879, at about 8 o’clock, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist are reputed to have appeared. The apparition was seen by fifteen people whose ages ranged from six years to seventy-five and included men, women and children. The shrine has become so popular in modern times that the Ireland West International Airport was built especially in 1985 to cater for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors to Connaught.

The county also features the pilgrimage site known as Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo. This is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Croagh Patrick is renowned today for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick is said to have fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the custom of trekking up the mountain has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport, and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside with magnificent views of Clew Bay beneath.

So, whether it’s water activities on the Atlantic coastline, cruising on the Shannon Waterway, religious pilgrimages, chilling out amongst an unspoilt landscape or driving along roads where motoring is still a pleasure, Connaught has it all.

Explore Connaught

Kylemore Abbey

Few places on earth have the tranquillity and beauty of Kylemore Abbey and its majestic walled garden. The castle was bought by the Benedictine nuns in 1920.

The Victorian walled garden was reopened in 1999 and won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 2002.The garden comprises of roughly 6 acres and is divided in two by a natural mountain stream. The eastern half comprises of the flower or pleasure garden, glass houses and gardeners’ houses. While the kitchen garden makes up the other half of the garden and is predominantly given over to the growing of food. This is a gem and should definitely be at the top of any visitors list.

Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall is situated near Glencar Lake, 11 kilometres west of Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. It is particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. As you reach Glencar which straddles the border between counties Sligo and Leitrim with its dramatic steep cliffs, you will notice a series of waterfalls cascading from the heights.

Glencar waterfall is perhaps the most dramatic, descending from a 50ft rocky headland into a deep pool below in a haze of white spray. A paved path to the viewing area provides a wonderful vantage point from which to view the waterfall which is particularly spectacular during wet conditions.

Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin (island of the white cow) is situated seven miles off the Galway coastline and is an extremely popular tourist attraction.The island is 5.7km by 4km, and has three official looped walks of varying difficulties, each offering spectacular views of the island’s wild Atlantic scenery. The island also has several safe, award winning sandy beaches, and its clear waters make swimming, snorkelling and diving a joy. Two of the beaches on Inishbofin have been awarded the ‘Green Coast Award’, prized for their exceptional water quality and their natural, unspoilt environment.

Croagh Patrick

Connemara

Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is one of the surfing capitals of the Irish Atlantic coastline, and is recognised as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Indeed, on 8 March 2012, surfers and windsurfers from all over the world rode waves up to 15 metres (49 ft) high off Mullaghmore Head.

The area is also safe for bathing, and has all the modern facilities that you could wish for to make your stay enjoyable. And it is overlooked by the majestic Ben Bulbin mountain.

Connemara is one of God’s gifts to this world with unspoilt natural beauty, rolling hills, leafy glens and crystal clear mountain streams all overlooked by towering majestic mountains. Travel from the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the North through lake-rich Roundstone Bog, to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean. This wondrous landscape is bounded on the West, South and North by the Atlantic Ocean. Connemara’s land boundary with the rest of County Galway is marked by the Invermore River which flows into the north of Kilkieran Bay.

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport, and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. You get spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding Mayo countryside from all stages as you climb.

Widely considered the holiest mountain in Ireland, pilgrimages date all the way back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. On the last day in July 25,000 pilgrims climb it, and over a million people visit Croagh Patrick every year.

Tel: 098 64114 JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Pubs in Connaught Tigh Neachtain (Naughtons)

Just across the road from Galway’s justly celebrated Druid Theatre, the Neachtain family have been running this pub here since 1894. And the artsy crowd that congregate here are as likely to be treated to a live jazz trio as they are to the best in Irish trad.

17 Cross st, Galway Tel: 091 568 820

Furey’s Pub

The Quays

Furey’s is located in the centre of Sligo, and is your no nonsense, strictly Irish trad music only, Irish pub. And they are as keen on real beer as they are on serious music, offering up an impressive choice craft beers.

Bridge St, Sligo Tel: 087 958 3080 Don’t be put off by the reams of tourists that flock here all year round, there’s a reason that this pub enjoys such a lofty reputation. It looks and feels exactly like an Irish pub should. And be sure to check out the back of the pub which has been decked out with stained glass and wooden pews borrowed from a Medieval French church!

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Bosh Bar and Restaurant Whether you are looking for a bit of good quality food, hoping to catch some live music, or just want to watch the match, this is the place you’re looking for when you find yourself in Castlebar.

11 Quay St, Galway Tel: 091 568 347

Linenhall St., Castlebar, Co Mayo Tel: 094 925 0534

Roísín Dubh

Matt Malloy’s

It might have changed hands a few years ago, but the Roísín Dubh is still the premier music venue in the West. In the past they played host to Ray Davies, The New York Dolls and Townes Van Zandt and, more recently the XX, DJ Shadow and Dinosaur Jr. The only difference is, they’ve got a beer garden on the roof now!

This is exactly the kind of pub you’d expect the flute player with the Chieftains to have opened. And when he’s not on tour with them, you can expect to see Matt Malloy here in person, joining in on the sessions that take place within.

Lower Dominick St., Galway Tel: 091 586 540

Bridge St., Westport Tel: 098 26655

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Recommended Restaurants in Connaught Kai Café

An Port Mór Restaurant

Roasted pig cheeks with black pudding, and apple and vanilla sauce is just one of this award winning restaurant’s specialities. One of the finest restaurants in the West.

1 Brewery Place, Bridge St, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: 098 26730

The Cottage Restaurant

Head chef Sham Hanifa’s sauces are so well regarded, you can buy jars of them to take away with you after your meal. Originally from Malaysia, he’s been here in Leitrim for over 14 years and applies his culinary skills to the local Irish produce that are native to the West.

Jamestown, Co. Leitrim Tel: 071 962 5933

Ashford Castle

Dating all the way back to 1228, this is one of the most imposing castles on the island. And where better to dine than in the George V dining room, built specially by the Guinness family when they hosted the Prince of Wales in 1906.

Cong, Co. Mayo Tel: 094 954 6003 David and Jessica Murphy’s restaurant in the heart of Galway has justly won a mountain of awards over the last couple of years, including Restaurant of the Year in 2012. Of the many, many who sing its praises, John McKenna wrote, “It’s vital food, packed with good energy, and it lifts you up to eat it because it’s so simple and elemental.”

Sea Road, Galway City.

Tel: 091 526 003

Eala Bhán

Upstairs @ West Restaurant

Situated in the luxury 4 star hotel The Twelve in Barna, minutes away from the city centre, this is one of Galway’s best kept secrets and is well worth a visit.

The Twelve, Barna, Galway City Tel: 091 597 000

Waterfront House Restaurant

If it’s fresh seafood or a prime steak you’re looking for, this is the place for you. Situated in the heart of Sligo this restaurant is warmly recommended by one and all, including Lucinda O’Sullivan and Georgina Campbell.

Rockwood Parade, Sligo Town Tel: 071 914 5823

Half way between Athlone and Roscommon, and a quarter of an hour’s drive from either, Aidan Murray has been head chef here for over 20 years. Superior bistro food.

The Waterfront House Restaurant boasts one of the most outstanding sea views in Ireland. You can wine, dine and relax as you peer out over the 5km beach overlooking Killala Bay. Since it opened in 2011 the Seaview Restaurant and Wine Bar have become popular with locals and visitors alike. Fresh Seafood is a speciality.

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 666 1255

Enniscrone, County Sligo Tel: 096 37120

The Yew Tree Restaurant

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Galway FILM FLEADH

T

he 27th Galway Film Fleadh takes place from 7th to 12th July. As ever, the Film Fleadh promises to bring an exciting mix of film premieres, public interviews, Q&A’s, extra-sensory screenings and an acting masterclass from John C Reilly, making Galway worthy of its status as a UNESCO City of Film.

John C Reilly is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, appearing in everything from zany comedies to award-winning dramas. From Step Brothers to his Oscar nominated role in Chicago, Reilly has seen and done it all and his masterclass on 11th July is a must for any aspiring actor. Hosted

by John Hubbard of Hubbard Casting, topics covered will include starting out as an actor, dealing with casting directors, securing an agent, preparing for auditions and so much more.

The opening film of the Fleadh will be My Name Is Emily, starring Evanna Lynch, Michael Smiley and George Webster. The film tells the story of 16 year old Emily,

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who embarks on a road trip with her handsome ally Arden to find her missing father. The film was written and directed

by Simon Fitzmaurice, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2008.

Now completely paralysed, Fitzmaurice wrote the script and directed the film through eye movement and the use of iris recognition software. Funding to complete the film was completed through a crowdsourced campaign, supported by the likes of Jim Sheridan, Colin Farrell, Sam Neill and Alan Rickman.

Other Irish premieres at the festival include Mark Noonan’s You’re Ugly Too, starring Aidan Gillen and Lauren Kinsella, and the Oscar-nominated animated film Song of the Sea, which receives its gala premiere in the Town Hall Theatre on 9th July. The film boasts an impressive cast of Irish actors, including Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan and Moone Boy’s David Rawle. The cast will be in attendance for what is sure to be a lively Q&A, followed by a post-screening gig by Kila, who

composed music for the film.

There will also be a wide range of other great events over the course of the festival. These include the One Minute Film Festival and a celebration of the Music of the Movies. The One Minute Film Festival will show the best one minute HD films made by filmmakers and enthusiasts and chosen by a panel of expert judges. The Esker Festival Orchestra will celebrate Music of the Movies on 8th July. A 60 piece symphony orchestra, made up of talented young musicians from all over Ireland will play music from the likes of Star Wars, Star Trek, Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings. There will also be a range of short films on show, including The Caller, which is the directorial debut from Fair City actor Steve Gunn.

With great Irish movies and a whole range of film-related activities, Galway Film Fleadh is a movie-buff ’s dream. www.galwayfilmfleadh.com

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Welcome to Ulster

Marble Arch Caves The Ancient Irish province of Ulster, made up of 9 counties, was partitioned in 1921 and six of the counties in it now make up Northern Ireland. These are Fermanagh, Antrim, Down, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh, and Tyrone.

The other three counties are Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland.

County Fermanagh has over 300 square miles of water, 365 islands, breathtaking scenery, the mystical Marble Arch Caves Geo Park, world class fishing and more historic monuments than you could shake a stick at. In short, Fermanagh is a Lakeland Paradise.

County Donegal is in the northwest of the

Malin Head Republic of Ireland. The name “Donegal” comes from the Irish, meaning “the fort of the foreigners”. The county consists chiefly of low mountains, with a deeply indented coastline forming natural loughs, of which Lough Swilly is the most notable. The famous mountains or 44

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‘Hills of Donegal’ consist of two major ranges, the Derryveagh Mountains in the north and the Bluestack Mountains in the south, with Mount Errigal at 751 metres the highest peak.

The Slieve League cliffs are the second highest sea cliffs in Europe, while Donegal’s Malin Head is the most northerly point on the island of Ireland.

the new Titanic Quarter and the Odyssey Arena to name but a few. This vibrant city has a culture all of its own and its restaurants, theatres and nightlife are amazingly good value.

Giants Causeway

County Antrim with its beautiful coast road and famous glens is the most north easterly county on the island. On a worldwide scale Antrim’s most famous attraction is the Giants Causeway. However the renowned ‘Glens of Antrim’, the Bushmills Distillery and Carrickfergus Castle are well worth visiting as well.

Belfast City too has many things to see including the grandeur of the City Hall,

Belfast City Hall

Explore Ulster

Titanic Belfast

Since it opened in March 2012 Titanic Belfast has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, and over a million visitors went through its doors in its first year. Housed in an iconic, six story building, it’s located in the heart of Belfast, right next to the very site where the famous ship was first built.

Once you enter the building proper, you’re introduced to the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four “ships”, hull shaped wings which act as the beginning of the Titanic experience. Your journey will then take you through the building’s nine galleries, telling the story of the Titanic from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end.

The story is brought up to the present with the discovery of the wreck, and into the future with live links to contemporary undersea exploration. And the galleries employ a variety of interactive media including CGI, film, audio, artefacts and full-scale replicas. Not only that, there’s an actual ride through the Titanic giving you a view of how the ship was physically put together.

Tel: 028 9076 6386

The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway stretches for around five kilometres along the Antrim coast north of the town of Bushmills. Legend has it that it was built by Finn MacCool so that he could get across to Scotland to the East to take on a giant who lived over there.

Voted by BBC Radio listeners as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the UK, visitors flock here from all over the world to marvel at one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines and its unique rock formations, which have stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms for millions of years. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire people. And to stroll along the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.

In 1986 they opened the Giants Causeway Visitors centre, after the World Heritage Conventions added it to its coveted list of sites, which are of exceptional interest and universal value. And the National Trust which oversees the Causeway provides the half million tourists who go there every year with any and all the information that they might need.

The Old Bushmills Distillery In 1608, King James I of England granted Sir Thomas Phillipps a license to distil whiskey, and Bushmills became the first ever distillery in the world to begin officially producing it. “Whiskey” with an “e” is Irish by the way, and without is Scotch. And the word itself originated from the Irish word for water, “uisce”. Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey.

This is at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys, whether Bushmills or Black Bush, and it is this that gives them their unique combination of smoothness and richness.

In 2008, Bushmills celebrated the 400th anniversary of their original licence to distil whiskey. They marked the occasion with the release of a limited edition Irish whiskey of exceptional smoothness, Bushmills 1608. Today Bushmills Irish Whiskey is owned by Diageo, and over 120,00 visitors come to the Old Distillery every year to discover more about how it is all done, and to see for themselves where the magic happens.

Tel: 028 2073 3218

Ulster American Folk Park

Situated at the base of the Sperrin mountain range just 5 miles outside of Omagh on the road to Strabane, the museum is your chance to mix family fun with a fascinating exploration of our shared histories. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.

And you can also avail of the facilities at the residential centre and museum restaurant. They offer an array of ensuite rooms, and dorms that sleep up to 7 in bunk beds, with linen, laundry and drier rooms, plus kitchens, bathrooms, and TV, DVD and games rooms.

Museum: +44 (0) 28 8224 3292 Residential centre: +44 (0)28 8224 0918 JULY 2015 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Pubs in Ulster The Crown Liquor Saloon

Located in Belfast’s Cathedral district, very unusually this pub is owned by the Belfast Unemployment Resource Centre, which was opened by local poet, socialist and Freeman of the City, John Hewitt. Hence the name. They’ve an extensive range of craft beers, both on tap and in bottles. And if that’s not enough, they even have a genuine gin palace!

Which includes locally made Shortcross Gin. 51 Donegall St., Belfast Tel: 028 9023 3768

White’s Tavern

Dating all the way back to 1630, this is the oldest tavern in Belfast, and one of the oldest anywhere on these islands. You can warm yourself by the fire downstairs where you’ll find the original pub, whilst upstairs they’ve opened a second bar where more livelier fare goes down.

2-4 Winecellar Entry, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 3080

Kelly’s Cellars Now owned by the National trust, this is one of the most justly famous pubs to be found anywhere in Britain or Ireland, with its mixture of oak panelling, leather chairs and its exquisite, ornate Victorian tiling. And, just as you’d expect, they’ve a wonderful selection of real ales and home made food.

46 Great Victoria St, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 3187

This is the oldest pub proper in Belfast, dating back to 1720. Stone floors, white washed walls, and traditional Irish music rings through its low ceilinged rooms. It’s like finding a country pub in the middle of the city.

30-32 Bank St, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 6058

The Duke Of York

The John Hewitt

One of the liveliest pubs in town, its walls are busy with paraphernalia and whatnots, and the place is hopping with (mostly) young people who fill the place up all weekend and most of the week. And if you are looking to treat yourself to a sneaky, antique whiskey, look no further.

7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast Tel: 028 9024 1062

Peadar O’Donnell’s

There are three bars to choose from here at this famous Derry pub, and music to suit any and all tastes. You can move from an impromptu session that might have materialised magically in the corner of the traditional bar downstairs, to a gig proper upstairs in the Gweedore.

Before coming back downstairs to what they swear is the best pint in Derry.

59-63 Waterloo St., Derry Tel: 028 7126 7295 46

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Promenade FESTIVAL TRAMORE

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reland’s premier beach resort, Tramore, comes alive this July with a whole host of free events for the whole family to enjoy at the Promenade Festival, which runs from 3rd to 5th July.Visitors can look forward to a broad range of free familyfriendly activities, including street performances, magic shows, live music and Tramore’s first ever air show.

There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Splashworld host a fantastic free beach ball pool party on Saturday and Sunday while six to twelve year olds can learn to sing and perform dances from classic Disney songs at the Disney Magic Workshop. There’s sure to be a few songs from Frozen amongst them. Then, why not take a stroll down Magic Street and watch Billy Bubbles perform his magic and Punch & Judy act?

There will be loads to do and see at the Tramore Zoo, with highlights including The Animal Roadshow, The National Reptile Zoo and the chance to meet and handle birds of prey at Mayfield Birds of Prey.

Those wishing to get back in touch with nature can go on the guided Coastal Heritage Walk or visit the Lafcadio Hearn Gardens.

The gardens are created in the style of a Japanese Strolling Garden and reflect the life of Japan’s most famous Irishman, Lafcadio Hearn.

The Promenade Air Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm. Some of Ireland’s top stunt pilots and planes will perform over Tramore Bay, with a chance to see the James Bond plane, The Flying Cow and the ultimate aerobatic machine - the Russian Sukhol 26.

On top of all of this there will be live music throughout the weekend with The Sunshine Stage, The Summer Ball, 4th July Music Trail and The Artists Club.

With so many brilliant free events for the whole family, there’s no better place to go than Tramore this July for the fantastic Promenade Festival. www.thepromenadefestival.com Visit www.tramore.ie for more information on all things Tramore.

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Recommended Restaurants in Ulster Ox

Having won the Best Newcomer Award in 2013, Ox took Best Restaurant, Best Chef and Best Wine Experience in Antrim for 2014.

Chic, smart and very good.

The Ginger Bistro

Coco

1 Oxford St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 4121

55 Degrees North Located in Belfast’s historic Linenhall Street just behind City Hall, this is one of the best dining experiences you will find here in the city centre in Belfast. Its chic boutique surroundings make it very much the place to see and be seen.

This family run business has been open since 2005. And this stylish restaurant has been receiving plaudits ever since, both for the quality of its food, and the spectacular views of the Atlantic that it offers.

1 Causeway St, Portrush, Co Antrim Tel: 0044 28 7082 2811

The ginger in question is owner chef Simon McCance, and since relocating here closer to the centre his reputation for producing quality food at surprisingly reasonable prices has got even stronger.

7-8 Hope St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9024 4421

Deane’s Restaurant

7-11 Linenhall St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 1150

Shu

They serve deliberately simple, Frenchinfluenced food here using only the best seasonal ingredients, and all served at a reasonable price in an elegant location. And you can have a drink in the cocktail bar in the basement while you are waiting for your table.

253 Lisburn Rd, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9038 1655

Vanilla Restaurant

Local man Darren Ireland opened this smart new establishment here in 2009, and it’s one of the best quality bistros on the East coast.

Telfords Restaurant

Overlooking the river Lagan and situated in a maritime building that dates back to 1843, Telfords operates on three levels and is in walking distance from the Waterfront Hall, the Odyssey complex and the Ulster Hall.

67 Main St, Newcastle Tel: 0044 28 4372 2268

Lough Erne Resort

5 Donegall Quay, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 4000

Sun Kee Restaurant

One of the best Chinese restaurants in Belfast, the Lo family have been producing impressively adventurous and authentic Chinese cuisine here for years.

42-7 Donegall Pass, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9031 2016 Michael Deane trained at London’s prestigious Claridges and since returning to Belfast he has opened up a number of top quality restaurants across the city. And losing the Michelin star he had in 2011 has he says liberated him, allowing him to concentrate on the food without having to worry about critics.

36-40 Howard St, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9033 1134

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Sakura

In the city’s busy Botanic Avenue, this is one of the city’s few authentic sushi bars, but they also serve a variety of fusion dishes if sushi is not your thing. A superior Japanese restaurant.

82 Botanic Av, Belfast Tel: 0044 28 9043 9590

Speranza Restaurant

This 5 star hotel just outside the town of Enniskillen is quite simply one of the most spectacularly situated hotel resorts you will find anywhere in Europe.

Lusty Beg

This island spa is set on a 75 acres in the heart of the lakes of Fermanagh, and where better to unwind than in its award winning restaurant.

Hand made oven baked pizzas are one of the specialities here, but there is a wide choice of all types of Italian food on offer here in one of Belfast’s finest Italian restaurants.

Belleek Rd, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh Tel: 0044 28 6632 3230

Boa Island, Kesh, Co Fermanagh Tel: 0044 28 6863 3300

16-9 Shaftesbury Av, Belfast Tel: 044 28 9023 0213

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Conways Jewellers are a family run business with over forty years experience in creating beautiful jewellery.

We stock a large range of traditional Irish jewellery which includes:

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Claddagh rings Tara brooches Pendants Earrings Wedding & Engagement rings

Much of our jewellery is manufactured in store by our own Gold and Silversmiths.

15 Upper Liffey Street, Dublin 1.

Tel: 01 8731719 Email: conwaysjewellers@gmail.com

www.conwaysjewellers.com

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Beleek POTTERY

ow in it’s 158th year of business, when you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Holding a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of Co Fermanagh, Belleek Pottery is situated in the picturesque village of Belleek on the banks of the Lough Erne. The building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian China and Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre. Original and unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation, with many of the craftspeople being the third or fourth generation of their family to work at the Pottery.

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

Visitors can take a personally guided tour of the factory and see how the techniques developed by the very first Belleek craftsmen 158 years ago are still followed today. The tour takes around 30 minutes and brings visitors through every stage of the Belleek production process.

An audio visual presentation informs visitors of the rich history of the pottery from its beginnings right the way through to present day, while the Belleek Museum offers a display of pottery through the ages.

After the tour, visitors can enjoy a little retail therapy in the Belleek Pottery showroom. An exclusive range of giftware including pottery and jewellery can be purchased here.

No visit is complete without taking a little time out at the Belleek Pottery restaurant where visitors can enjoy some well deserved refreshments from the savoury and sweet menu served.

The Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre is open all year round with tours available from Monday to Friday and also on Saturdays during high season.

Tel: +44(0) 28 6865 9300 Email: visitorcentre@belleek.ie Facebook.com/belleekpottery www.belleek.com

Blarney Castle & Gardens Renowned for bestowing the gift of eloquence Take the time to enjoy our magical CASTLE GARDENS

Open all year round 5 miles from Cork Open Monday- Sunday 9-6 www.blarneycastle.ie info@blarneycastle.ie