Travelireland v4 issue45 web

Travelireland Volume 5 Issue 45 JANUARY 2018

Sive at Gaiety Theatre

magazine

Independent Film comes To Mullingar

Pat Liddy on

The Custom House

Salamanca Book Launch

Pigalle celebrating

Edith Piaf

at National Concert Hall

S t a g s H e a d Vo t e d To p To u r i s t B a r

Sive The Gaiety Theatre presents the Druid production of

by John B Keane

Directed by Garry

Hynes

26 JANUARY – 3 MARCH 2018 With Barbara Brennan, Brian Doherty, Seán Doyle, Gráinne Good, Bosco Hogan, Andrea Irvine, Marie Mullen, Radie Peat and Tommy Tiernan Tickets from €18.50 | See gaietytheatre.ie

CONTENTS

4

Welcome To Leinster

6 Sive

8

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

Willkommen-Bienvenida-Bienvenue-Welcome! To our January issue

Irish Heritage Trust

10 Theatre

12

Custom House by Pat Liddy

14

A Taste of Salamanca – Cookbook

16 Shopping

18

Explore Leinster

19

Leinster Bars

20

Leinster Restaurants

22

Kildare Village

24

Welcome to Munster

26

The Stag’s Head

28

Designer Exchange

29

Munster Bars

30

Munster Restaurants

31

Music Venues in Ireland

33

Pigalle! Life and Music of Edith Piaf

34

Explore Munster

36

Welcome to Connaught

38

Connaught Restaurants

39

Connaught Bars

40

The Green Sea

42

Explore Connaught

44

Welcome to Ulster

45

Ulster Bars

46

Ulster Restaurants

48

Explore Ulster

50

Great Irish Writers

Whether this is your first time visiting our shores or 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. This month we’re looking forward to the Druid production of Sive at The Gaiety Theatre, we’ve found the best place for you to purchase designer handbags and accessories at Designer Exchange in Dublin and we learn that independent cinema in Ireland is thriving with The Green Sea. We also celebrate Spanish tapas with the launch of A Taste of Salamanca cookbook. Whatever you end up doing, we at Travel Ireland wish you a hefty and heartfelt Céad míle fáilte and hope you enjoy your stay.

Taisteal sásta (Happy Travels)

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Published by Ellen Media Communications Ltd Publisher John Carey Features Writer Jade Cox (jade@travelirelandmagazine.ie) Design & Art Direction Outburst Design Advertising John Carey (john@ellenmediacom.ie, 01 561 2431, 087 911 3732) Cover illustration by Steve Doogan Contributors: Pat Liddy, Angeline Le Mercier, Adam Patterson Photography, John McCurdy, Paula Moore, Patrick O’ , Stephen Walker, Ivan Donoghue, Joleen Cronin, Richard Eibrand, Padraig O’Donnell, Michael McLaughlin, Roma Keeley.

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

We would also like to thank Paddy Donovan, Ed Reeve, Carr Cotter and Naessens, jonandlauren.wordpress.com and 10bestpubsingalway.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.

JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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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 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

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

Phoenix Park, Dublin 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

St Kevin’s Church, Glendalough

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

Round Tower, Glendalough range of activities from paintballing in the Stradbally Woods to western-style riding at Fossey Mountain, bowls at the only indoor 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!

GOURMET FRENCH CUISINE PRE-THEATRE & EARLY-BIRD DINING VEGETARIAN, COELIAC & GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE

81 - 82 TALBOT STREET, DUBLIN 2 |TEL: 01 704 0126 |EMAIL: INFO@LEBONCRUBEEN.IE |WWW. LEBONCRUBEEN.IE

Celtic Lodge Guesthouse

In the Heart of Dublin City Centre

Celtic Lodge is located on Talbot Street in Dublin City Centre.

Recently refurbished throughout, the rooms are decorated in modern colours and fabrics with luxurious touches, to make your stay in Dublin as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The Celtic Lodge Guesthouse is located just 5 minutes walk from both Connolly Train Station and Busáras, the main bus station in Dublin. Popular Dublin attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Book of Kells at Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Old Jameson Distillery are also close by. Celtic Lodge offers quality Dublin accommodation at great rates and is an ideal choice for your stay in Dublin.

81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 . Tel: 01 878 8810 Email: info@celticlodge.ie www.celticlodge.ie

Dublin’s Finest Traditional Irish Pub Traditional Irish Music Every evening from 9pm. Come on in for a pint and the craic!

Come along and experience the authentic atmosphere found only at The Celt Bar, the traditional Irish pub in Dublin that’s as full of life as it always has been. Friendly faces, a classic bar menu, the finest selection of Irish whiskey’s, beers, ales and stouts, ciders and not to mention the goodness of real Guinness.

www.thecelt.ie

The Celt Bar 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

Sive T

his January the Gaiety Theatre presents Druid’s major new production of John B. Keane’s most famous play, Sive, in a welcome return to The Gaiety Theatre.

Following on from their award-winning productions of The Beauty Queen of Leenane in 2016 and 2017 and Big Maggie in 2016, Druid commence another busy year with this giant of the Irish canon.

The production runs from 26th January until 3rd March.

Full details of the cast were announced recently at a reception in John B’s Bar at the Gaiety Theatre.

The cast includes Gráinne Good as Sive, Andrea Irvine as Mena, Barbara Brennan as Nana, Tommy Tiernan as Thomasheen Seán, Brian Doherty as Mike Glavin, Seán Doyle as Liam Scuab, Bosco Hogan as Seán Dóta, Marie Mullen as Pats Bocock and Radie Peat as Carthalawn.

‘I love working on the plays of John B. Keane.’ says director Garry Hynes. ‘He has this potent mix of great characters, brilliant storytelling, the magic and the spiritual, which make his plays a joy for both audiences and actors alike.’

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

In the play Sive, Nana and Mena bicker and provoke one another in the small smoky cottage in which they live with Sive and Mena’s husband, Mike. While Nana dotes on her illegitimate granddaughter, Sive, Mena has other ideas and plots to marry the young innocent Sive off to an old local farmer.

John B. Keane began writing Sive in 1959 when he returned to live in Listowel after a period working in the UK. Settling by the fire of his pub in the wee hours, he crafted what would become one of the country’s most loved plays. Sive was an instant hit with amateur dramatic companies and was eventually given a professional production at the Abbey in 1985. It has long won a place in the country’s literary history, cited in The Irish Times’ ‘Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks’ in 2015.

Tommy Tiernan makes return to the stage in Druid’s Sive Undoubtedly one of the star attractions of this production of Sive is Irish actor, comedian and writer Tommy Tiernan in his return to the stage as

the matchmaker Thomasheen Sean.

In 1996, Tiernan won the Channel 4 "So You Think You're Funny" award. Two years later he was awarded the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award at the 1998 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and won the Best Stand-Up Award at the British Comedy Awards. In 2003, he won the Nokia Best of the Fest Award and the Orange People Choice Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. In 2006, he won Ireland's Funniest Living Person Award at the People of the Year Awards. In 2013, Tiernan performed in Vicar St, Dublin, for his 200th show, in front of an audience of 1000 people. To date Tiernan has released eight stand-up comedy DVDs: Tommy Tiernan Live, Cracked, Loose, Jokerman, Ok Baby, Bovinity, Crooked Man and Stray Sod. In January 2017, Tiernan presented The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTÉ One. John B Keane John B. Keane was born in Listowel in 1928. Keane had various jobs in the UK between 1951 and 1955 working as a street cleaner, and a bar man, living in a variety of places including Northampton and London. It was while he was in Northampton that Keane was first published in an unnamed women's magazine for which he received £15.

Upon returning from the United Kingdom, he was a pub owner in Listowel from 1955. He married Mary O'Connor in 1955 and had four children: Billy, Conor, John and Joanna.

His most notable works are The Field and Sive.

Druid Druid began as a bold idea: to create Ireland’s first professional theatre company outside of Dublin. There were few resources with which to build a theatre company in the west of Ireland in 1975, but, through sheer dedication, and with the support of the Galway community, founders Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen and Mick Lally made this bold idea a reality. That reality has since become an international success story of extraordinary dimensions.

The company has won four Tony Awards, several Irish Times Theatre Awards, Fringe First Awards and an Obie Award among others. Druid regularly tours both nationally and internationally playing to communities across Ireland and prestigious stages the world over. Upcoming tours include Waiting for Godot: Irish and US tour 2018.

JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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HeritageTrust

Irish

T

he Irish Heritage Trust cares for special places in a way that works to deliver benefits to people and the country. The fundamentals of this approach are place, people and participation.

The Trust operates on two key principles; to care for special places in an exemplary way and to share them with people in as many ways as possible. This is based on the philosophy that the more people that are involved in caring for and benefiting from a heritage property, the better protected it becomes. Over the last ten years they have worked hard to develop new ways of working to deliver greater public benefit at a reduced cost to the State.

By developing financially sustainable solutions, working with local communities and creating dynamic volunteering programmes throughout Ireland, they have been fortunate to be involved in many exciting projects throughout Ireland and they are currently developing many more.

The Irish Heritage Trust is an independent charity which was established in July 2006 as a joint initiative between government and the voluntary sector. A number of national heritage bodies had been doing wonderful work for many years. However, there was a particular need for a national, independent heritage property organisation to develop new ways of working that could reduce the financial burden on the State as well as engage with communities for wider public benefit.

The Irish Heritage Trust took responsibility for its first property Fota House and Gardens in Cork in December 2007. Today the property is thriving, requires no funding from the State and has received tremendous public and private support. It has won numerous awards and is buzzing with volunteers and visitors.

In addition to taking responsibility for properties, the Irish Heritage Trust has initiated and led innovative projects including the highly successful Dublin Tenement Experience in 2013 and the Fota Learning Zone in 2010. The success of Fota House illustrated the new model the Trust set out to create and this has led to their involvement with two

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TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

nationally significant heritage properties through innovative partnerships. In August 2015 they took responsibility for operating Strokestown Park and the Irish National Famine Museum in Roscommon. The Trust was also selected by Teagasc to help to revive and regenerate Johnstown Castle, Estate and Gardens in Wexford in the coming years.

In addition to grant aid from Government, the Irish Heritage Trust are fortunate to have received wonderful support from many people across Ireland over the last ten years. Thanks to their time, dedication and money they are beginning to make a difference. After a decade of hard work they have proven the research concepts that led to their creation and are excited about the years ahead.

BRINGING PLACES TO LIFE

Fota House PA S S I O N AT E A B O U T G R E AT V I S I TO R EXPERIENCES

Strokestown Park

H E R I TAG E BROUGHT TO LIFE FOR E V E RYO N E Contact us for suggested itineraries and rates for your day out:

Strokestown House, Co Roscommon, T: + 353 71 9633013 or info@strokestownpark.ie Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, T: +353 21 4815543 or groups@fotahouse.com W W W. I R I S H H E R I TA G E T R U S T. I E

Theatre Mermaid Arts Centre Bray One Act Drama Festival

Bray One Act Drama Festival will be bringing a wonderful mix of comedy and drama to the stage. Performed by both newcomers and seasoned performers, these plays are sure to provide a night of entertainment, with all proceeds going to charitable causes.

Dates 23 – 27 Jan 2018 Tel: 01 2724043 or visit www.mermaidartscentre.ie

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Greg Davies – You Magnificent Beast

Following the phenomenal success of his soldout UK tour, Greg Davies, BAFTA-nominated star of Cuckoo, Man Down, The Inbetweeners and Taskmaster, takes his critically acclaimed show You Magnificent Beast on tour for the very last time.

Dates 21 Jan Tel: 01 6777999 or visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie Also at Bord Gais Energy Theatre This Month: The Sound of Music 19 Dec – 6 Jan, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical 9 – 20 Jan, Spamalot 23 - 27 Jan, Steven Gerrard Live 31 Jan

Dates 18 Nov – 6 Jan Tel: 01 8872200 or visit www.abbeytheatre.ie Also at the Abbey this month; Class 24 Jan – 3 Feb, The 24 Hour Plays: Dublin 28 Jan

Also at The Gaiety this month; Rapunzel 26 Nov – 21 Jan

The Olympia Theatre

The Gate Theatre The Red Shoes

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are universally read and loved by both children and adults alike but we rarely see these on stage.

This new commission will bring together some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists and one of Denmark’s most famous fairy tales An orphan girl, adopted by a wealthy Dublin family, is given a pair of beautiful red shoes. At first it appears her dreams have come true...but appearances can be very deceptive.

In a new version by Nancy Harris, The Red Shoes is a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s extraordinary fairytale of dance, desire and destruction. Part theatre, part dance, this family Christmas show will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

Dates 30 Nov – 27 Jan Tel: 01 8744045 / 01 8746042 or visit www.gatetheatre.ie

The Gaiety Theatre

The Abbey Theatre

The Kooks

Since they burst onto the scene in 2006 with their unstoppable debut Inside In/Inside Out, which went 5x platinum last month, the Brighton based four-piece have gone from strength to strength.

To celebrate a decade together as a band, The Kooks have announced their ‘Best Of ’ Tour.

Dates 18 - 20 Jan Tel: 01 679 3323 or visit www.olympia.ie Also at The Olympia this month; Celebrating David Bowie 15 Jan, August Alsina 21 Jan, Keith Barry – Magic Madhouse 26 – 27 Jan, Erasure 29 Jan,

Smock Alley Theatre

First Fortnight Festival 2018 Let The Right One In Oskar is a lonely, bullied teenager who lives with his mother on the edge of town. Eli just moved in next door. She doesn’t go to school and stays indoors all day.

These two young misfits soon forge a deep connection but, when a series of mysterious killings plagues the neighbourhood, their friendship is tested beyond all imaginable limits.

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Sive See Main Feature Dates 26 Jan – 3 Mar Tel: 0818 719 388 or visit www.gaietytheatre.ie

First Fortnight is a charity that challenges mental health prejudice through arts and cultural action. A Face In The Crowd 4 Jan, The Egg Is A Lonely Hunter 8 – 13 Jan, The Friday Night Effect 8 – 13 Jan. Tel: 01 6770014 or visit www.smockalley.com Also at Smock Alley this month; Personal Space 15 – 20 Jan

Newly refurbished Peploe’s New York style meets Parisienne charm on Dublin’s St Stephens Green

Pre Theatre Menu 12.30 – 6.15pm

16 St. Stephen’s Green

peploes.com

353 1 676 3144

CUSTOM HOUSE

by Pat Liddy

A

rguably the most significant 18th century classical public building in Ireland is Dublin’s Custom House and when completed it represented Ireland’s short-lived but strident sense of independence from the economic and political controls of England.

The originator of the project, John Beresford, Chief Commissioner of Revenue, built his headquarters of taxation to impress all and sundry and in this he supremely succeeded.

He first picked a location where everyone arriving upriver to the port and tying up at the quayside would be faced with the impressive vista of his creation. Beresford then convinced an architectural genius, Huguenot and Londoner, James Gandon, to come to Dublin. He had been on the cusp of accepting an offer from Catherine the Great of Russia to design imperial wonders for her in St Petersburg. Gandon, who went on to design other great Dublin buildings including the Four Courts and the King’s Inns, set about tackling the enormous construction problems he knew he would face as soon as he saw the site.

Beresford’s choice of location was on recently reclaimed slob-land and it would have required an excessive amount of piling to carry the huge weight of the massive new building. Instead, Gandon came up with a simple but ingenious idea of covering the newly levelled trenches with a deep bed of cut heather over which open-topped timber 12

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

boxes filled with brick and mortar were constructed and topped with thick planking.

Admiring architects and engineers from other countries came to look at this new technique.

Less admiring were the enraged merchants further up the river who feared that this outlying new development would suck the commercial activity away from the traditional heart of the city. They hired a mob to attack the new works but hearing of the approach of the threatening rabble Gandon had whiskey distributed to them before any harm was done and after a bit of frolickingabout the crowd went on their merry way home. Nevertheless, Gandon, fearing for his personal safety, in future always carried a sword-cane.

Bit by bit the huge building (114m in length) went up until it was topped by its elegant copper dome. It was finally completed in 1791, ten years after the work first started, at a cost of almost £500,000 (€78 million today). The Custom House was built from Portland stone and granite and has four differing facades linked by pavilions at each corner. The Palladian masterpiece was intended to be functional in the first place to house the various departments of taxation but the internal and, principally the external decorations and sculptures, were meant to be of a high order. Several famous and soon-to-be-famous sculptors were engaged to produce their best work.

The bas-reliefs in the Tympanum (the triangle over the central columns), the Royal Arms of Ireland (at each end) and the fourteen Riverhead sculptures representing the main rivers of Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean, (Anna Livia, or the River Liffey, is the only female head, and is placed over the centre door) were all carved by Edward Smyth, Ireland’s greatest 18th century sculptor. On the riverfront façade Smyth also carved the figures of Industry and Plenty above the pediment and that of Commerce, resting on her anchor, on top of the dome. Italian, Agostino Carlini, carved Neptune and Mercury and designed the scene inside the tympanum of Hibernia (the symbol of Ireland) and Neptune on his chariot banishing famine and despair, a sentiment which would be echoed fifty years later when the Custom House would become the main centre organising relief during the Great Famine of the 1840s. The four large roof urns were a clever classical decorative device used to mask the chimney flues. On the north face at Beresford Place are personifications of the four continents of world trade – Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.

A fire in 1835 caused a good deal of destruction but was quickly repaired and some internal modifications were carried out. But this incident was nothing compared to the conflagration deliberately caused during the War of Independence against

England in 1921. In an effort to disrupt the governance of Ireland by destroying all the public records contained within, the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) set fire to the building. They did such a thorough job that the edifice was completely gutted. The heat was so intense that the dome melted and the stonework was still cracking because of cooling five months later. Gandon’s interior was completely destroyed.

Reconstruction appeared hopeless and the building seemed doomed. However,

the basic walls were still standing so it was decided to go ahead. The dome and drum had to be totally rebuilt but this time darker Irish limestone was used instead of the former English Portland stone and the colour difference is notable today.

In the late 1970s it became apparent that there was serious deterioration to the fabric resulting from the last fire. Major repair, replacement and conservation works were undertaken from 1984 to 1991 at a cost of around €8 million.

Except during the winter period, it is possible to see some of the rich splendour of the restored interior by dropping in to the Visitor Centre (entrance from the quayside).

The exhibition recounts the history of the building (now the seat of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government), its role during revolution and some famous people who once worked there. Admission is free. See http://www.housing.gov.ie/ corporate/1916-2016-centenary-programme/ custom-house-visitor-centre

dodublintours

TED VO

R

O

TR

IP

Whether you want to sit back and soak up the culture at Dublin’s historic sites or get out there and explore the streets, meet the people and sample the Guinness, our guides can help you make the most of your holiday and see the city like a local.

ON

AS

Dublin’s No.1 Bus Tour A D VIS

FREE Kids FREE Hotel Shuttle FREE Walking Tour FREE Little Museum of Dublin

Book a Tour

The Dubliner’s Guide to Dublin

Book online dodublin.ie

Buy in person at Dublin Bus Head Office 59 Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1 Hop on and pay driver

dodublin.ie JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Salamanca A Taste of

– Cookbook

A

you you ready to whip up a mouth-watering taste of Spain and the Mediterranean in your own home? Dublin’s finest tapas bar is here to help.

The team behind Salamanca, the Spanish-inspired tapas bar on Dublin’s St. Andrew’s Street, have just launched their debut cookbook A Taste of Salamanca.

Salamanca has been a mainstay on the Dublin foodie scene since its inception in 2002 at the heart of the city centre.

Back then it was one of the first tapas bars in Ireland and it remains a firm favourite for those on the hunt for Spanish tapas in Dublin. As the owner of the restaurant and writer of this great collection of recipes, along with head chef Aleksandar Dimitrov, Caroline Boyle is tireless in her efforts to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to her customers, she

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spends as much time as possible travelling around Spain collecting ideas on food, wine and décor to ensure a truly authentic and enjoyable experience is always on the menu at Salamanca.

For this cookbook Caroline Boyle has teamed up with her head chef Aleksandar Dimitrov and created an extensive collection which will suit any occasion. The book begins with a list of essential ingredients which will help bring these dishes to life and give that authentic Mediterranean flavour that’s so important in the restaurant. The book also features sections on dips and sauces, salads, tapas, party menus, desserts and much more. There really is something delicious for every occasion in here, the hardest part will be choosing what to cook next!

French Courses

Spring Term 5 February – 7 April 2018

The French Language & Cultural Centre in Dublin 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 / www.alliance-francaise.ie / (01) 676 1732

Recommended Shopping Powerscourt Centre

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 also offers a number of superb wedding outlets www.powerscourtcentre.ie

Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre Located at the top of Grafton Street, in the heart of Dublin city centre, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre hosts a wide variety of top retailers.

Household names such as Dunnes Stores, Argos, Boots, Eason, United Colors of Benetton, Mothercare, Elverys, Golden Discs and TK Maxx can be found here. When you’re finished shopping, you can relax in one of the many lovely cafes, head for a pint in one of the many nearby pubs, or take a stroll across the road in St Stephen’s Green. www.stephensgreen.com

Jam Art Factory

Jam Art Factory was set up in 2011 by brothers John and Mark to showcase the work of Irish artists and designers. It specialises in digital art prints, street art, ceramics and some witty Dublin themed work. It has been shortlisted in The Irish Times “Best Shops in Ireland” 4 years in a row.

64 Patrick Street, Dublin 8 14 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 616 5671 www.JamArtFactory.com and www.JamArtPrints.com 16

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

Mourne Antiques

Mourne Antiques have been operating in the thriving town of Letterkenny for 25 years.

They offer a range of beautiful antiques, such as ceramics, silver, furniture and collectables, all with their own particular history and charm.

You could find anything from a rare book to a mink coat!

They specialise in a wide range of jewellery.

From Victorian gold and precious stone pieces to Contemporary diamond and Engagement rings to 1940’s costume jewellery, their stock is sure to please.

38 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 074 9126457 www.mourneantiques.com

Tights Department Tights Dept. is an Irish owned store specialising in Italian legwear.

They offer a full range of classic and fashion hosiery: tights, socks (men and women), hold-ups, stockings, leggings and more, they also stock a collection of tops and vests. Top brands: Omsa, Emilio Cavallini, Trasparenze, Omero and Happy Socks.

Celtic Whiskey Shop

Ireland’s premier Irish whiskey specialists with a remarkable selection of beloved, rare and hard to find bottlings and shop exclusives. It boasts a knowledgeable and friendly staff who are proud and passionate about products, and are always on hand to offer advice. Feel free to pop in where we serve up in-store whiskey tastings all day everyday! If you're travelling, our staff can either wrap your purchases in protective wrapping or arrange shipping to national and international destinations.

27 – 28 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6759744 www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

Mitchell & Son Wine Merchants

Unit 108, 1st Floor, Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 VF67 Shop online: www.tightsdepartment.ie (deliver worldwide)

Designer Exchange

Ireland’s only dedicated pre-loved and authentic designer handbag and accessory store, Designer Exchange stock all the leading designer brands such as DKNY, Louis Vutton and Chanel. They offer incredible savings on these top designer brands.

Since 1805, family-owned Mitchell & Son have been providing Fine Wines & Spirits to the people of Ireland. Now in the hands of the 7th generation, they offer a high quality selection of New & Old World Wines, Champagne, & fortified wines. Home to the Green and Yellow Spot Irish Whiskeys, they also have a wide selection of Irish, Scotch, & Japanese whiskies, and other fine spirits. With a superb selection of Riedel Glassware and decanters, Coravin Wine System, and Le Creuset wine accessories, they are one of the most diverse independent wine merchants in Ireland. Mitchell & Son also offer Wine and Whiskey Appreciation courses that provide an understanding of the Irish market and a chance to explore your tastes.

53 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 612 8080 www.facebook.com/DesignerExchangeLtd

CHQ Building, IFSC, Dublin, D01 FC89 Tel: 01 612 5540 www.mitchellandson.com

Recommended Shopping The Donegal Shop

The Donegal Shop is an independently owned and family run Irish business. They are specialists in Donegal homespun tweeds and knitted products. The store offers a range of knitwear, aran sweaters and accessories for both women and men, all crafted using techniques handed down through generations of Donegal artists.

Mention Travel Ireland to get a 10% discount 2nd Floor, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2 01 475 4621 www.thedonegalshop.com

Dundrum Town Centre

Brown Thomas

Amelia’s is home to a selection of beautiful gallery pieces that are perfect for the home or a present for someone special. They stock a range of art and studio ceramics lovingly handcrafted by makers from all over the country, specialising in local makers from the North-West of Ireland.

There are little gifts and keepsakes for the everyday too! All pieces are handpicked by If it’s a high end shopping experience that you’re owner Frances Spears. She has over 20 years after, then Brown Thomas is the place to go. In this experience in the design and antiques business store you can find some of the world’s finest brands, so you know you’re in good hands when you including Armani, Baker, Chanel, Dior and Yves pay a visit to Amelia’s Irish Design.

Saint Laurent. The store offers personal shopping 29 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny services and an unrivalled range of corporate gifts and there is tax free shopping available for non-EU Co. Donegal 087 2434060 residents. www.amelias.ie 88 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 01 6056666 Mackintosh by Francis www.brownthomas.com

The Kilkenny Shop

Irish Linen House

www.dundrum.ie

Campelli

Mackintoshes were first produced in Ireland in 1889 and Francis Campelli has been involved in the production of them for almost 40 years so you know you’re in the most experienced hands The Kilkenny Shop is Ireland’s largest emporium when you visit this store. for Irish designed products; from fashion and They offer the finest quality, waterproof jewellery to homeware, handmade crafts and crystal. For over five decades, the Kilkenny Shop has Mackintoshes for men and women from stock or made to measure been supporting Irish design talent, stocking top designers like Waterford Crystal, Orla Kiely, Aideen from €485, as well as a range of leather bags, satchels and accessories.

Bodkin, Nicholas Mosse and Stephen Pearce.

6 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 6777066 www.kilkennyshop.com

This huge shopping outlet on the southside of Dublin is only minutes from the city centre and is easily accessible by car, bus or Luas. It’s certainly worth the journey because Dundrum has it all.

Top names such as Boss, House of Fraser, River Island, Tommy Hilfiger and BT2 can all be found there. In fact, you could spend the whole day there, with great shopping, a cinema and a host of great restaurants to choose from. There is plenty of parking, WIFI available throughout the centre and they even have phone charging outlets. All of this combines to offer the ultimate shopping experience.

Amelia’s Irish Design

Irish Linen House create handmade tablerunners, placemats and napkins made from the finest Irish linen. Each piece of the collection is uniquely made, fusing historical elements with a modern, contemporary edge and has caught the attention of worldwide stores including Barneys of New York. Just up the road from the Jameson Distillery, their Smithfield store is the perfect place to pick up a unique piece of Ireland.

Nr. Jameson Distillery, Bow Street Smithfield Village, Dublin 7 www.irishlinenhouse.com 01-5329572 / 083-3010502 01 820 8774

46 South William Street, Dublin 2 01 6088608 www.franciscampelli.com

Article

This charming store in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Ireland.

They stock homeware from around the world, including Irish designers - with everything from Irish woollen throws, glass vases and stationery on offer and the friendly staff are always on hand to offer help and advice.

Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street, Dublin 2 01 679 9268 www.articledublin.com JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Explore Leinster

The War Memorial Gardens 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

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Guided Tours Glasnevin is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Located 2.5km from Dublin centre, this is a hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery where over 1.5 million are buried. Guides are passionate about sharing their love of history and recount the stories of Ireland’s fascinating past through daily walking tours. A history lesson made fun and memorable by guides who know their stuff, be prepared to enjoy yourself. Awarded Best Cultural Experience in Ireland and listed at no. 2 on Tripadvisor, Glasnevin is a cemetery of historic importance. Museum, genealogy, gift shop and café on site.

Open daily for guided tours and re-enactments museum@glasnevintrust.ie

Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin

If you really want to get to know a city, then walking around with an informed, entertaining, professional guide is often the best way to discover its history, charms and hidden treasures.

Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin have been offering their famous tours for over a decade and they cover many aspects of the city both with scheduled and private tour programmes. The scheduled walks are provided all year round with two or three times daily departures from March onwards. Special event tours include St Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Festival, James Joyce’s Bloomsday and the Bram Stoker Festival among others. Private tours geared to the topic of your own choice can be arranged for any time. Subject to availability, tours can be provided in the main European languages.

In this centenary year of the Easter Rising of 1916 there are exciting tours dedicated to this momentous event, a pivotal episode in Irish history which eventually led to Irish Independence in 1922 after 750 years of British rule.

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

Full details can be found on www.walkingtours.ie, by emailing to info@walkingtours.ie or by telephoning to 01 832 9406.

The National Museum of Ireland 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 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. With three locations in Dublin covering Archaeology, Natural History and the Decorative Arts and one location in Mayo covering Country Life, you can lose yourself for hours in the many exhibitions detailing all aspects of Irish life down through the ages. Don’t miss the fantastic new exhibition Shadow of Sodeisha; Japanese and Irish art in Clay, celebrating 60 years of Japanese/Irish relations which runs in the National Museum of History Decorative Arts until February 2018.

Admission to the museum is free all year round.

Tel 01 677 7444

Baggot Street welcomes a beautiful modern Italian restaurant!

Open for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, Dinner 5pm 'til late, Mon- Sat www.cirillos.ie

Phone | +353 1 676 6848 Location | No. 140, Baggot St., Dublin 2 18

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Recommended Bars in Leinster

Dingle Whiskey Bar

The Duke

Ideally situated close to Grafton Street, this old watering hole has been providing liquid refreshment and sustenance to the people of Dublin since 1822. They have a great selection of craft beers, whiskeys and gins for you to try, along with amazing food. The Duke is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of busy Grafton Street.

9 Duke St, Dublin 2 016799553

Sin É

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

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definitely the place to be. ĆĞnj ĎĒĊ ĊĚē ċėĔĒ ͕͖ ēĔĔē

the celt

The Dingle Whiskey Bar is a delightful bar nestled beside Porterhouse Central on Nassau St. Walking into the bar, you are welcomed by a beautiful oak interior and a warm welcoming feel. The bar staff are very helpful, recommending many whiskeys and offering samples. And every Tuesday they host a Whiskey Tasting Class from 7pm with whiskey guru Fionnån O’Connor. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the brown stuff and enjoy some delicious whiskey. Tickets available at the bar for ₏18.

44 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 01 677 4810 www.theporterhouse.ie

strolling14 into-15 theOrmond celt is likeQuay taking a trip to the west, play boys and chailĂ­nĂ­ payfor attention and& dance along the way to the early light Tel: 01 555 4036 01 555 4037

www.sin-e.ie

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The Stag’s Head

A beautiful Victorian pub in the heart of Dublin city, The Stag’s Head is nestled just off Dame Street and is a firm favourite for Dublin pub-goers and tourists alike. Original Victorian features include mahogany and marble tabletops and stained glass windows. The Stag’s Head recently won Best Tourist Pub at the inaugural Irish Pub Awards.

Street 66

Street 66 is a new bar/venue, tucked away in the heart of trendy South Dublin on Parliament Street, just two minutes walk from Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. A great place for lovers of disco, funk and soul, and reggae with a wide selection of Gins, Irish Whiskeys, cocktails and craft beer. This dog friendly bar is designed for the global citizen who loves great drinks and great music.

33 - 34 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 01 6793369 www.street66.bar

1 Dame Court, Dublin 2.

Phone: (01) 679 3687

The Celt Davy Byrne’s

This famous old pub is steeped in history and has strong literary connections. The pub is famously mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses and Joyce was a regular patron when he lived in Dublin. Davy Byrne’s literary connections would continue down through the years with the likes of James Stephens, Liam O’Flaherty, Padraig O’Conaire and in later times Myles na gCopaleen, Patrick Kavanagh, Anthony Cronin and Brendan Behan all frequenting the pub. In more recent times, Davy Byrne’s has become renowned for their quality pub-food, with seafood being a speciality.

21 Duke Street, Dublin 2 01 6775217

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 JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Mykonos Taverna

Authentic Greek food in the heart of Dublin.

Mykonos Taverna offers traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka, Kleftiko and Souvlaki at incredibly good prices, all made from the freshest of ingredients from land and sea. The staff are friendly and attentive and always on hand to cater to your every need, all you have to do is relax and enjoy your food! Make sure you try their delicious homemade ice cream too, which is made on the premises. The perfect way to round off a fantastic Greek meal.

76 Dame Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 561 3745 Email: mykonostaverna@dublin.com Web: www.mykonosdublin.com

Le Bon Crubeen

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

It has won Best Value Restaurant Dublin in the Dubliner, Best Pre-Theatre listing in Hot Press and Best Casual Dining in the Restaurant Awards Value and Quality.

81-2 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 704 0126 www.leboncrubeen.ie

Silken Thomas

Silken Thomas is a family operated business, established for over 40 years. Focussed on giving that warm Irish welcome, Silken Thomas has a proven record in quality and service. Silken Thomas is where you can eat, drink, dance and sleep.

Silken Thomas brings to you the traditional Irish Pub Lils, the more sports-orientated Squires and the contemporary Flanagan’s Lounge. For whatever occasion you are celebrating or a place to simply relax for a drink, Silken Thomas is the choice for you.

The Square Kildare Town Co. Kildare +353 (0) 45 522232 info@silkenthomas.com

Peploe’s

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.

16 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 676 3144 www.peploes.com

Restaurant FortyOne

Café Topolis

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

Camden Kitchen

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.

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

Mexico to Rome

Zaytoon

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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.

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.

Located in the heart of Temple Bar, Mexico to Rome, Bandito’s Grill House offer a new twist on Mexican dishes such as sizzling Fajitas, their unique Burritos, Tacos, Chili Con Carne, and Tex-Mex Baby Back Ribs in a Southern Comfort BBQ Sauce. They also offer a range of European and Asian dishes. They boast one of the best value earlybird menus in Dublin at €13.50 for a starter and main course, while their lunch special of a starter, main course and a soft drink or a glass of wine for €9.95 is superb value.

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

3 Camden Market, Grantham Street, D8 Tel: 01 476 0125 www.camdenkitchen.ie

23 East Essex Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 2727 www.mexicotorome.com

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Recommended Restaurants in Leinster Kafka Restaurant

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. They serve lunch, brunch and dinner, offering a fresh healthy menu of delights including Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Tiger Prawn Risotto and as they’re just a short walk from the City Centre, it’s the perfect place to start your night out.

Chez Max

La Resérve Brasserie

Feel the spirit of France right here in Dublin!

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

La Resérve is a lively and intimate French Brasserie that serves a modern take on French classics. They focus on simple yet high quality dishes, presented with precision and faithful to true flavours. Open for dinner, brunch and lunch - whether you’re looking for a light snack or an exciting evening meal, La Resérve has something for you.

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

Cirillo’s

La Réserve Brasserie, 53 Ranelagh village, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: 01 496 8825 Email: info@lareserve.ie Web: lareserve.ie Twitter: @lareserve1 Facebook: facebook.com/LaReserveBrasserie

La Ruelle Wine Bar

236 Rathmines Rd Lwr., Dublin 6 01 497 7057 www.kafka.ie

ASADOR Cirillo’s have gone to great lengths to ensure that their customers enjoy an authentic Italian meal.

All of their pizzas are made to the traditional Vera Pizza Napoletana standards, using San Marzano tomatoes, 00 flour and fresh mozzarella all finished in a wood fire oven that they imported from Naples. All of their pasta, bread, pizza dough and ice creams are made in-house every day and they offer a wide variety of Italian wines, craft beers and aperitifs that beautifully compliment their seriously tasty meals.

‘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

140 Baggot Street, Dublin 2 +353 1 6766848 www.cirillos.ie

Tap House

Be prepared to enter into the world of true beer artistry, where friendly knowledgeable staff will guide you to that perfect beverage, served in the especially designed Munique glass, which optimises the aroma, retaining carbonation and cooling until the last drop.

With possibly finest bar food and cocktails in town, your whole party will be catered for in this wonderfully unique establishment.

60 Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: 01 491 3436. www.taphouse.ie

Tucked in opposite the Mansion House, on Joshua Lane, La Ruelle is the ideal venue for an intimate drink, with over 100 different international wines of which 40 are served by the glass. Their menu includes a variety of mouth watering nibbles, tapas and bites served small or large to accompany your wine of choice. Catering for private parties with free car park facilities in R.I.A.C for all customers.

Perfect for the festive season or any events.

3/4 Joshua Lane, Dublin 2 laruelleadmin@laruelle.ie www.laruelle.ie

Salamanca

Located on Andrews Street, near the new home of the Molly Malone statue, Salamanca was one of the first Tapas Bars in the city and remains one of the best. Their Tapas dishes are served by authentic Spanish chefs and they use only the finest quality fresh ingredients. Diners can choose from a wide range of quality Tapas and carefully selected Spanish wines for a truly authentic taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Dublin City.

1 St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 677 4799 www.salamanca.ie JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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KILDARE VILLAGE For a great day out, nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination.

You will find it difficult to resist temptation with 100 brands such as Louise Kennedy, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry and Hugo Boss offering up to 60% off all year around.

L'Officina, Dunne & Crescenzi’s ultramodern Italian restaurant offers breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch and wonderful wines for you to relax and enjoy while you deliberate over your next purchase. Joe’s Coffee is the perfect spot for a restorative coffee and treat.

A morning or afternoon spent browsing 100 exclusive brands offering luxury for less in a chic and casual open-air environment is truly time well spent.

Kildare Village offers an extensive range of services to complement any shopping experience: Hands-free Shopping You shop, they collect. No more carrying bags around the Village. Simply shop at your favourite boutiques, then relax while their boutique assistants pack your purchases ready for collection from Kildare Village Tourist Information later. This service can be booked at Kildare Village Tourist Information upon arrival for just €5.

Personal Shopping Service A Complimentary Personal Shopping Service is available throughout the week (by appointment only, and subject to availability).

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Pre-book by emailing personalshopperkv@valueretail.com or by calling 0872270109.

Valet Service Enjoy the pleasure of carefree shopping with the Kildare Village Valet Service (including valet parking and car valeting), Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, starting from

just €10. To pre-book your Valet Service email valetservice@kildarevillage.com or call 045 520551. Alternatively visit the Valet Service kiosk when you arrive in the Village.

Children’s Play Area Kildare Village caters for families and their children and has a specially designed Children’s Play Area close to the boutiques.

Baggot Street welcomes a beautiful modern Italian restaurant!

Open for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, Dinner 5pm 'til late, Mon- Sat www.cirillos.ie

Phone | +353 1 676 6848 Location | No. 140, Baggot St., Dublin 2

Silken Thomas Silken Thomas is a family operated business, established for over 40 years. Focussed on giving that warm Irish welcome, Silken Thomas has a proven record in quality and service.

Silken Thomas is where you can eat, drink, dance and sleep.

Silken Thomas brings to you the traditional Irish Pub Lils, the more sports-orientated Squires and the contemporary Flanagan’s Lounge. For whatever occasion you are celebrating or a place to simply relax for a drink, Silken Thomas is the choice for you.

The Square, Kildare Town | Co. Kildare +353 (0) 45 522232 | info@silkenthomas.com

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.

Cork at night

Lismore 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.

Reginald’s Tower

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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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’

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.

The Stag’s Head

The Stag’s Head recently won the award of Tourist Pub of the Year 2017 at the inaugural Irish Pub Awards. It is a historical Dublin pub renowned for its hospitality and famous pint of Guinness!

Though a tavern has existed on the site since the 1780s, this premises first attained great fame in the 1830s as John Bull’s Albion Hotel and Tavern. It was one of the most sought after premises of the age, in close proximity to Dublin’s ‘Theatreland’ and the fashionable stores of Dame Street and College Green. A popular music hall business was developed on the site, a trend continued by proprietors Alica and Henry Murphy during the 1840s.

William Wormington succeeded them here in the 1860s and James Kennedy took the reins in the 1880s.

Birth of the Stag’s Head The Stag’s Head was the brainchild of Westmoreland merchant George Tyson who came to Ireland in the 1870s and established a thriving menswear and haberdashery business in Grafton Street, from where he was appointed ‘outfitter and shirtmaker to the Lord Lieutenant’. He acquired the premises in the early 1890s and commissioned leading architect J.M. McGloughlin of Pearse Street to build Dublin’s most advanced and distinctive Victorian pub - and the first in the Capital to enjoy electric light. The new creation opened its doors to the Dublin public in May 1894 amid majestic fanfare and distinguished patronage including the Lord 26

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Lieutenant and the most respected members of contemporary Victorian society. Tyson’s name is still to be seen on the large clock on the outside of the building. Another outstanding vestige of this era is the little parlour lounge discreetly situated behind the main bar, in former times this area served as a fashionable Victorian smoking room.You truly get a sense of hidden Ireland when you accidentally stumble upon The Stag’s Head. Finding it is akin to discovering a rare treasure as it is concealed through a narrow passageway off Dame Street.

This is probably Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pub, everything here is of authentic Victorian origin.

Take time to look around and savour the sumptuously carved Victorian mahogany fittings, the mosaic marble tiled floors and granite tabletops. The mahogany bar, capped with red Connemara marble, follows the classic Victorian architectural pattern, being long and punctuated by exquisite partitions that divide into private compartments or stalls. The Stag’s Head has long been a staple of any night out in the city for Dubliners and tourists alike.

Private Parties, Corporate functions and Group Bookings for food and drinks can be accommodated in either of the spacious and private lounges.

FEEL THE

Spirit of France ALL OVER DUBLIN AT CHEZ MAX

Baggot Street

O

Our Baggot Street restaurant is renowned for its well-heated and covered outdoor seating areas that allow customers to dine outside all year around.

Coffee Shop

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The Chez Max Coffee Shop is the perfect lunchtime destination, serving homemade filled baguettes on freshly baked bread as well as superb lunchtime soups & salads.

Palace Street

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Or why not visit our authentic French Bistro on Palace Street which serves classic homemade dishes with a Parisian flair.

133 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 | 01 6618899 Brasserie / Coffee Shop

1 Palace Street, Dublin 2 | 01 6337215 Bistro

Designer Exchange - Ireland’s leading designer accessories trader

S

ince opening its doors in October 2012, Designer Exchange has disrupted the designer accessories retail market. Having researched the market, recruited a strong team and ensured everyone was educated on all authenticity issues, Paddy Coughlan has created a retailer where dreams come true.

From the very first item they ever sold, a Louis Vuitton Speed 25 Classic Monogram, to the most expensive bag they have sold, a Hermes Birkin for €7,500, Designer Exchange has developed a solid reputation for quality, customer care and passion for selling handbags. The Designer Exchange team go to great lengths to ensure all their items are authentic, they issue their own certificates confirming this.

Trade Back is Designer Exchange’s retail philosophy, so how does it work? Simply it’s about looking at your purchase in a different way. Let’s say you buy a bag for €1000 that probably cost €1800 brand new. You decide after a year that you want to trade it back to Designer Exchange as you’ve seen a new one you’d like.

They then give you, for example, €600 for it. You use the €600 against your next purchase, therefore your first purchase only cost you €400 for a full year of use. That boils down to €33 per month or just €8 a week!

Having worked with a similar concept in the video game and technology sector, owner Paddy was always asking himself where this concept would fit in another area of retail. From listening to his five sisters, his partner and with an extensive list of female

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friends, the consensus was that they wanted these luxury pieces but simply couldn’t or wouldn’t pay full price, but would have no issue purchasing if the item was at a fair pre-loved price. Designer Exchange concept was born!

In a retail sector predominantly aimed at women, what drives Paddy’s interest in handbags? Paddy says “Personally, as much as I love the traditional craft, especially the brands that pride themselves on hand-finished craft, I adore the romantic histories of the designers. From Louis Vuitton, humble beginnings and how each of the oldest fashion houses have evolved through the years. A bag is for everyone, but 10 inch stilettos aren’t. A bag or accessory no longer just completes a look, a look can be built around it. I’ve heard ladies say that they like to wear a colour, but they love to wear a particular bag. I love the joy I see when we make it possible for a lady to get her dream bag, something she may have thought unattainable until she could take part in our instalment plan and/or part exchange.”

Over 60% of Designer Exchange’s sales come via posts on social media. Many items are only minutes on the site when the store phone rings with a purchaser! In less than three years they have grown all their social channels to become their shop window.

Find Designer Exchange online: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/designerexchangeltd/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/designer_exchange_ltd/ Snapchat – designerexltd Website - https://www.designerexchange.ie/

Recommended Bars in Munster O’Neill’s Bar

O’Neill’s Bar/Mol’s Restaurant is located at the top of the town of Tramore. It’s one of the original family owned and run, bar & restaurants in Tramore. With its long standing tradition in sport it’s no wonder this bar is the main sports bar in the town. Since its renovation in 2015 the bar has gone from strength to strength with now one of the most comfortable and accommodating smoking rooms in the country.

Live music every Thursday to Sunday ensures that your visit will be one you won’t forget. They also have a top class restaurant adjacent to the bar which serves excellent cuisine hosting a range of dishes sourced locally with the best Waterford has to offer

Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, Irish Whiskey Experience

Developed by whiskey lovers as a first class destination for whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike. Guests will be amazed by shelf upon shelf of Irish, Scottish & international whiskies and a wide variety of Irish craft gin & vodka, craft beer and cider, eclectic wine list, and creative cocktail menu. Fresh, locally sourced food served daily. Irish Whiskey Experience offers the chance to discover more about the history, production & renaissance of Irish whiskey, with 10 masterclasses to choose from, running every day.

93 New Street Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: +353646635700 www.celticwhiskeybar.com www.irishwhiskeyexperience.net

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

Dick Mack’s

O’Neills Bar, Summerhill, Tramore, Co.Waterford

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.

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

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.

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) JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Recommended Restaurants in Munster The Munster Room Restaurant

The Munster Room Restaurant at Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort provides an opportunity to taste the best of traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine. The awardwinning restaurant is critically acclaimed in the Michelin Guide and holder of two AA Rosette accredited. The Resort’s Head Chef Michael Thomas was awarded “Best Chef of Ireland 2017” by Yes Chef Ireland. Under his direction the award-winning culinary team uses only the finest local produce and creates a truly memorable fine dining experience. All this set aside the Munster Rooms warm ambience, wonderful oak paneled and ornate ceiling it’s easy to see why it’s such a winning choice.

Waterford Castle offers an extensive wine cellar and cocktail hour in The Fitzgerald Bar with the winning mixologist Ilario is not to be missed. Start your magical evening with a short crossing over the King’s Channel by the Island Resort’s private car ferry, to the enchanted 310 acre Island Resort.

Waterford Castle leave your worries at the shore…

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort |The Island |Waterford | Ireland Castle Tel: +353 (0)51 878 203 http://www.waterfordcastleresort.com/ munster-room-restaurant

The Copper Hen

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.

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

La Boheme

Address 100 O’Connell St Limerick Tel 061 211000 info@thecopperroom.ie 30

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This ocean front family run (2nd generation) establishment opened in 1980. The restaurant has been praised by gastronomic writers worldwide. It’s not hard to see why as the Chef/Proprietor, Henry Hunt, takes pride in serving fresh local produce. Panoramic views from the dining room, and friendly service, will give you the perfect dining experience.

For total relaxation why not have an overnight stay in one of the comfortable guest rooms.

Cliff Road, Waterville, Co. Kerry Tel: 066 9474330, www.thesmugglersinn.ie

The Lobster

Whether you’re looking for lunch, a casual dinner or just a quiet pint, the friendly staff at The Lobster are sure to look after your every need. Situated in the seaside town of Waterville, it’s no surprise that The Lobster serve some of the best seafood in Kerry and their beef and Guinness stew is also spoken of very highly by all who have sampled it.

Waterville, Co. Kerry. Tel: 066 9474629

The Copper Room

The Copper Room boasts the best that Limerick has to offer when it comes to wine, cheese and port. The Copper Room has an amazing selection of local and international cheeses, pates and meats and these can be paired with complementary wines and ports for a mouth-watering culinary experience.

They also have an extensive selection of beers for those that prefer the grain to the grape.

The Smuggler’s Inn

L’Atitude 51

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.

Open Monday - Saturday 5.30pm until late (Open Bank Holiday Sundays) 2 George’s St., Waterford. Tel: 051 875645 www.labohemerestaurant.ie

This Wine Workshop and live music venue is open six days a week for morning coffee, lunch and light evening meals. They offer and impressive variety of wines and craft beers and were winners of the prestigious Georgina Campbell Wine Award of the Year in 2015.

Their menu offers simple, seasonal food with a distinct French, Italian and Irish influence.

1 Union Quay, Cork Ph: 021 2390219 www.latitude51.ie

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Music Venues in Ireland Sin É

The Celt

Johnnie Fox's

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.

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.

Situated in Glencullen on top of the Dublin mountains, Johnnie Fox's is one of Ireland's oldest and most famous traditional Irish pubs - and is also famed as the highest pub in the country.

Johnnie Fox's has Traditional Irish Music every night, plus on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. You can also see one of the top Irish dancing performances in the country at their famous 'Hooley Night' - dinner & show. All in all, Johnnie Fox's is the home of traditional entertainment, so be sure to book in advance if you can.

81 Talbot St, Dublin Tel: 01 878 8655 www.thecelt.ie

Telephone: +353 1 295 5647 Email: info@jfp.ie

14 -15 Ormond Quay Tel: 01 555 4036 & 01 555 4037 www.sin-e.ie

The Cobblestone

JJ Smyths

The Cobblestone, Tom Mulligan’s traditional Irish music bar and venue. The Mulligan family have been playing Irish music for five generations, no one can remember back any further.

Tom’s laid back and friendly pub is built on family tradition – respect for music and culture.

Some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including Tom’s brother, the renowned uilleann piper Néillidh, lead traditional Irish music sessions in the bar seven days a week. The music is not put on for show.

Musicians and singers hand on songs, tunes and skills that keep the tradition alive. Everyone is welcome.

77 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin (01) 872 1799 | info@cobblestonepub.ie

JJ Smyth's is a family owned bar in the center of Dublin city.

Home to many a musician, Jazz and Blues alike.

It started off as a family owned grocery and public house back in the 1730's, it has changed throughout the years and now you can hear live Jazz and Blues sounds of the city from within it's doors.

JJ's became one of the cities oldest continuous licenses, which has remained on precisely the same site since the 1730's and was the birthplace of the famous Irish poet and playwright Thomas Moore in May 1779. http://cobblestonepub.ie/

Whelans

Live Music &Concerts. Private Bookings for Small and Large Groups.Call Us Today.

Services: Parties & Events, Conferences, Product Launches, Filming & Shoots, Live Music, Clubbing A Pub used for the filming of PS I Love You – Tripadvisor www.whelanslive.com

Peadar Kearney's

Peadar’s is a traditional pub with strong historic roots. The pub is named after a musician who lived in the building where the bar is located now, he composed Abhrán na BhFiann (The Irish national anthem). One of the regular musicians, Brian Brody, is a must see for any tourist visiting the city. He’s a one man atmosphere machine. There’s a basement bar downstairs when upstairs overflows, which also caters to sporting events including NFL games.

64 Dame Street Dublin 2 info@peadarkearneys.com Tel: (01) 707 1890

The Well Country Music Venue

The Well, Moate always has a packed calendar of country music, dancing lessons and big band dancing nights too. Gigs are usually followed by a DJ until late and accommodation is available for all dances. December alone sees the likes of country music greats Michael English and Declan Nerney taking to the stage at The Well. The Well is truly the midlands number one country music venue.

The Well Moate, Moate, Co.Westmeath 087 694 8827 \ +353 (0) 9064 48766 info@thewellmoate.com JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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PIGALLE!

LIFE AND MUSIC OF EDITH PIAF Pigalle! Life and Music of Edith Piaf tells the story of Edith Piaf and is presented by Irish Chanteuse Derby Browne whose lifelong admiration for Edith Piaf, or The Little Sparrow as she was often known, has led her to produce this fantastic show. Pigalle not only tells the story of Piaf but that of Derby and her exciting adventures as she attempts to pursue a life of a chanteuse.

Pigalle is packed with music from the cabarets and cafes of Paris; with romantic interludes from Parisian tea-shops, carnivals and market-places. Portraying the diminutive chanteuse’s life of poverty from the depths of Paris’ slums to worldwide fame and notoriety. Romance, poverty, success, murder and music – Pigalle has all of the ingredients to transport an audience back to the murky yet glamorous era of 1930s and 1940s Paris.

Derby is accompanied by the crème de la crème of musicians: Piano, Guitar, Accordion, Double Bass & Percussion. Arrangements by David Wray.

DERBY BROWNE Beginning her illustrious career at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, Derby Browne was awarded a coveted place at the Conservatory of Music where she studied singing, piano, harpsichord and drama. Upon

passion in Derby for golden era European cabaret and nightclub performance.

On returning to her native Ireland, Derby began writing and producing her own shows.

The first of these was Café Mediterranea, it included a blend of romantic French and Italian music from Europe, with a strong influence from artists including Edith Piaf, Sacha Distel, Charles Trenet, Jacques Brel and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Derby has toured her shows throughout Ireland. graduation her professional career began as a member of the Medieval Irish Singers performing at the world famous Bunratty Castle, Co Clare.

Seeking inspiration Derby headed to London and the bright lights of Soho’s Theatreland.

The French and Italian jazz cafés that populate the West End side streets ignited a

EDITH PIAF Edith Piaf was a French cabaret singer, songwriter, and actress. She is widely regarded as France's national chanteuse, along with being one of France's greatest international stars. Her music was often autobiographical and her specialty was torch ballads, particularly of love, loss and sorrow.

Among her well-known songs are La Vie En Rose and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.

Pigalle - Life and Music of Edith Piaf, Friday 26th January, 1.05pm, National Concert Hall JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Explore Munster

The Hunt Museum Cliffs of Moher Loop Head Lighthouse This popular tourist attraction is located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary on the Loop Head Peninsula, which is one of two “Signature Discovery Points” in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. It also is a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail and is one of 12 Great Lighthouses of Ireland. The lighthouse is steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s. The existing tower style lighthouse was constructed in 1854 and was operated and maintained by a keeper who lived within the lighthouse compound. In January 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is monitored by the CIL.Open daily (10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.) until 5 November.

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.

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.

Bunratty Castle

Tel: 061 312 833 www.huntmuseum.com

Titanic Experience Cobh

The Burren

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.

Blarney Castle

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.

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Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town (formerly known as Queenstown) the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The visitor experience is presented in two parts. The first is an immersive audio visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Queenstown on April 11th 1912. The second part of the Titanic Experience examines how it all went wrong. The unbelievable and “almost” impossible sequence of events that occurred to cause Titanic to sink.

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. This is probably because of the famous stone you will see 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.

www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie

Tel: 021 438 5252

Welcome to Connaught

Macnas Festival Parade This Fierce Beauty

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, 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.

Galway city

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Connaught has some Carrick on Shannon 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 the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition Castle in Mayo near to Cong where the of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches film The Quiet Man was filmed, and the back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to natural serenity of Lough Key Forest Park the present day without interruption. Croagh in Roscommon, and a tour of this region is a Patrick is renowned today for its Patrician must for all.

Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, For those interested in a religious experience Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit Mayo is famed for Knock Shrine where on of the mountain that Saint Patrick is said to the 21st August, 1879, at about 8 o’clock, Our have fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist custom of trekking up the mountain has been are reputed to have appeared. The apparition faithfully handed down from generation to was seen by fifteen people whose ages ranged generation. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the from six years to seventy-five and included picturesque town of Westport, and its conical men, women and children. The shrine has shape soars majestically above the surrounding become so popular in modern times that the countryside with magnificent views of Clew Ireland West International Airport was built Bay beneath. especially in 1985 to cater for the hundreds So, whether it’s water activities on the Atlantic of thousands of pilgrims and visitors to coastline, cruising on the Shannon Waterway, Connaught. religious pilgrimages, chilling out amongst The county also features the pilgrimage site an unspoilt landscape or driving along roads known as Croagh Patrick, which overlooks where motoring is still a pleasure, Connaught Clew Bay in County Mayo. This is considered has it all.

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Recommended Restaurants in Connaught Venice Italian Restaurant

Kai Café

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

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.

This is somewhere special to spend the evening, with a relaxing atmosphere and fine dining at its best. Experience Venice’s fine Italian cuisine, with their distinctive taste and beautiful aromas you’ll be sure to have those tastebuds tickled. With stylish facilities, they offer an elegant dining experience that their attention to detail and exceptional service will ensure. Venice is the best Italian restaurant in Galway City Centre and boasts a wide range of tasty Italian dishes.

11 Lower Abbeygate St, Galway City Phone: 091 530-751. Email: restaurantvenice@yahoo.ie

Eala Bhán

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

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

Brasserie on the Corner

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

The Yew Tree Restaurant

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.

An Port Mór Restaurant

Brasserie on the Corner on Galway’s Eglinton Street specialises in delectable seafood and steak dishes. They serve lunch and dinner and both menus are created with local, seasonal produce at their heart. These delicious offerings are created using produce from local suppliers. You will also be treated to an extensive and delicious wine and cocktail menu.

You will truly find pride and passion on the plate!

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

Brasserie On The Corner, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland Tel: +353 91 530333

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 666 1255 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.

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Recommended Bars in Connaught Tigh Neachtain (Naughtons)

Monroe's

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.

This famous venue in the heart of Galway city is renowned as one of the best live music venues in the city. Across two stages, they host regular National & International acts. The friendly staff will assure you of a warm welcome and they serve great food in the Tavern along with free live music seven days a week.

17 Cross st, Galway Tel: 091 568 820

The Front Door

Dominick Street, Galway 091 583397 www.monroes.ie

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.

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

Matt Malloy’s One of Galway city’s most popular watering holes, The Front Door is a contemporary Irish bar with a late bar, live music and an extensive drinks menu. Located in Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter and spread across two floors The Front Door features five bars, including a stylish cocktail lounge and Sonny Molloy’s Whiskey Bar. The Front Door is the perfect spot to sample Galway’s nightlife.

8 Cross Street Upper, Galway, H91 YY06 Tel: (091) 563 757

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.

Bridge St., Westport Tel: 098 26655

The Quays Bar Galway

Roísín Dubh

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!

Lower Dominick St., Galway Tel: 091 586 540

Located in the city centre in Galway’s vibrant ‘Latin Quarter’ The Quays Bar Galway is one of Galway’s most famous and historic drinking establishments. For close on 400 years The Quays has catered to both Galwegians and visitors to the city of Galway. The restaurant offers a carvery lunch and evening a la carte dinner. The Quays was awarded IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the year 2017.

11 Quay St, Galway Tel: (091) 568 347 JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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The Greeena S

I

ndependent Irish film continues to go from strength to strength and currently shooting in Mullingar is The Green Sea, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Randal Plunkett. Randal fell for Mullingar’s charms over a year ago when he first visited the market town, taken by its friendly coffee shops, winding streets and cathedral. The film will be somewhat surreal and the style of camera being used will give an arthouse feel to the finished product. This is Randal’s first feature length film but he already has a number of shorts under his belt, including horror film Out There. Out There played at Cannes and a number of other international film festivals, it was also aired on RTE. The Green Sea stars Canadian actress Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps, Insomnia) and rising young actress Hazel Doupe (Peter and Wendy). Justin Broadrick, guitarist of the bands Napalm Death, Godflesh and Jesu is composing the music tracks for the film.

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Katherine Isabelle plays “Simone”, a strong female protagonist and a bit of an antihero. She’s a heavy metal musician who lives a life of isolation until her world changes by the appearance of a strange young girl (Doupe). Hazel Doupe, 16, from Skerries enthuses “It was wonderful working on The Green Sea. I loved my role but working with Katie (Isabelle) was special.”

The supporting cast includes Dermot Ward (Lassie and Pure

Mule ) Michael Parle (Demon Hunter), Zeb Moore (Hexing) Eric Branden (The Hospital 2) and John Carey (A Fistful of Diamonds). Other crew include producer Stephen Lourdes, Russian cinematographer Philipp Morozov (Centurion Resurrection), editor Chris Gill (The Guard, 28 Days Later and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) line producer Howard Gibbins (King Aurthur), and first assistant director John Burns (Once).

Production on The Green Sea comes from Edwina Forkin of Zanzibar Films, an independent Irish production company in conjunction with Plunkett’s own company Dunsany Films.

Randal Plunkett is an awardwinning Irish film director and producer from Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland. Randal was brought up in the Plunkett family's ancestral home, the historic Dunsany Castle, where many of his famous kin found inspiration before him. Growing up surrounded by 900 years of family history and a sprawling collection of art and antiquities has left an indelible impression on Randal's work, which critics have described as 'lush, macabre, gothic and beautiful'.

Randal finds inspiration in the works of legendary directors David Lynch, Akira Kurosawa, Peter Greenaway and Nicholas Ray. Randal holds a degree in Film Studies from Kingston University in London and a degree in Digital Video from SAE Institute in London.

JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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Explore Connaught

Westport House

Kylemore Abbey Few places on earth have the tranquillity and beauty of Kylemore Abbey and its majestic Victorian walled garden, which 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.

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. The most dramatic waterfall descends 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.

Arigna Mining Experience Discover what coal mining life was like for coal miners in the Arigna Valley in Roscommon from the 1700’s until its closure in 1990. Visit the exhibition area to discover the history of the mine and then take an underground tour of the mine, where the methods used to extract coal are demonstrated, with lighting and sound effects added for authenticity.

Mullaghmore

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www.WestportHouse.ie

Dún Aonghasa National Museum of Ireland - Country Life The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Turlough Park, Castlebar houses exhibits showing how rural people in Ireland lived from the time of the Great Famine right up until the 1950s. The museum features four levels of interactive displays and exhibitions that offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the rural Irish people in years gone by.

Connemara 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. Surfers and windsurfers from all over the world have ridden 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.

Westport House is one of the finest country houses in Ireland and since it opened to the public in the 1960s, over four million visitors have passed through its doors.

There are over 30 rooms on show, where visitors can immerse themselves in over 500 years of history, going back to the time when the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley ruled the estate. There is loads for the whole family to enjoy on the estate, including the Pirate Adventure Park, the Birds of Prey Centre and the Westport Train Tour.

Connemara is a world of 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.

Located on Inismór in the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is one of the best examples of a semi-circular stone fort in Europe.

Located on the 300ft cliffside on the south of the island, it is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions and offers stunning views that stretch the length of the island.

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport, and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. 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.

café-bar 236 LOWER RATHMINES ROAD, DUBLIN 6 TEL: 01-4977057

Welcome to Ulster

The Giants Causway Photo: @storytravelers 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

‘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.

Mount Errigal

Belfast 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

TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2018

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,

Linsfort Church, Co. Donegal

Recommended Bars 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 JANUARY 2018 - TRAVEL IRELAND MAGAZINE

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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 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 - JANUARY 2018

Dublin Airport Travel Services Airport Parking, Fast Track, Executive Lounges and more – save time and book all of your essential travel services in one easy step on dublinairport.com Dublin Airport offers all passengers unlimited free Wifi

Explore Ulster

Titanic Belfast Since opening in March 2012 Titanic Belfast has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, with over a million visitors through its doors in its first year. Housed in an iconic, six storey building, it’s located in the heart of Belfast, right next to the site where the famous ship was built, 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 Giant’s Causeway The Giant’s Causeway stretches for around five kilometres along the Antrim coast.

Legend has it that it was built by Finn MacCool so that he could get across to Scotland to take on a giant who lived there.

In 1986 the Giant’s Causeway Visitors centre opened, after the World Heritage Conventions added it to its list of sites which are of exceptional interest and universal value.

Dunluce Castle With a rich history, in a stunning, location, Dunluce Castle on the coast of Antrim is just waiting to be explored. Visitor information includes an audio visual tour of the castle, with a ‘treasure hunt’ encouraging younger visitors to explore.

You can also download a Dunluce Castle app for iPhone and Android devices, available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play.

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The Old Bushmills Distillery 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.

Today, 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.

Ulster American Folk Park Situated 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.

Down County Museum Situated next to the Down Cathedral, the Down County Museum houses modern galleries telling the stories of the area and fantastic temporary exhibitions. Learn about the museum’s history as a gaol and see the Downpatrick High Cross before relaxing in their new Cathedral View Tea Room.

Belleek Pottery One of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. 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. 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.

Glenveagh National Park The second largest national park in Ireland, Glenveagh is a remote and beautiful wilderness in the north-west of Donegal.

Full of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Visitors can also take a tour of Glenveagh Castle on the banks of Lough Veagh and take a walk through the beautiful walled gardens, which boast a multitude of exotic plant.

Florence Court Florence Court is the former home of the Cole family, Earls of Enniskillen. The three storey Georgian mansion contains fine plasterwork and 18th century Irish furniture and also offers extensive gardens, outdoor trails and a woodland children’s play area. Every aspect of life in this classical Irish House, with its fine interiors and exquisite decoration, is brought to life on guided tours.

VIEWMOUNT HOUSE

Perfection in Taste Situated in the old stables, the VM Restaurant is candlelit, with exposed stone walls, contemporary paintings, linen tablecloths and napkins; it is these aspects, combined with the impeccable service, that create a superb atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy Viewmount’s exceptional dining experience.

VM Restaurant opening times: Wednesday to Saturday - 18.30 to 21.30 Sunday - 13.00 to 16.00 Monday and Tuesday - closes

+353 (0) 43-3341919 ¡ Viewmount House, Dublin Road, Longford

www.viewmounthouse.com

Daily Tours available Booking recommended for groups Tel: +353 (0)59 918 6653 Email: bookin@walshwhiskey.com

www.walshwhiskey.com/directions 20 minutes from Kilkenny & 75 minutes from Dublin

LISA HARDING

L

Contemporary Irish Writers

isa Harding is an actress, playwright and writer.

She has performed at the Abbey, the Gate and the Lyric theatre among others, and on RTE, playing Connie in Fair City. She completed an MPhil in Creative Writing at Trinity College Dublin in 2014.

Her short story Counting Down was a winner in the inaugural Doolin Writer’s Prize in 2013. Other stories have been published in The Dublin Review, Bath Short Story Award Anthology and Headstuff. Plays have been workshopped at The National Theatre, London and performed at Theatre503, Battersea Arts Centre and The Project.

Harvesting is her first critically acclaimed novel. There is strong interest from various production companies and a Baftaaward winning film director in adapting it for screen. It tells the story of two teenage girls, one from Moldova and one from Dublin, who get caught up in the underworld of sex trafficking in Dublin in 2017. It was recently shortlisted for the best newcomer category at the Irish Book Awards.

The book was inspired by her

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involvement in a campaign run by the Children’s Rights Alliance and The Body Shop called ‘Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People’. During the campaign she was furnished with first-hand accounts of young girls who were trafficked into Ireland. The novel is a response to their stories, and came about because of a desire to give voice to some of these invisible girls’ testimonies. Renowned Irish writer Roddy Doyle said of Harvesting: ‘Harvesting is shocking – and shockingly good. It is thought-provoking, anger-provoking, guiltprovoking, and most importantly – it’s a brilliantly written novel.’

Lisa has just been awarded an arts council bursary for her second novel and has recently signed up with one of London’s most prestigious literary agents, Clare Alexander of Aitken Alexander. She is currently gearing up for a submission of her second novel, Overspill Overspill, which explores the generational impact of alcoholism. Much of her work is concerned with socially-driven issues, things she feels are under-represented in the field of literature.