Gateway to west Cork
Just over the Rosscarbery bridge is a west Cork gem, writes Saoirse Hanley.
The Celtic Ross Hotel embodies everything this picturesque corner of the country is famous for - friendly hospitality, top-class food and a community spirit that can’t be bought, from the warm welcome at reception to the genuine hospitality throughout the restaurant, bar and leisure centre.
Speaking of the restaurant and bar, the food served in the Kingfisher Bistro is delicious, with plenty of local produce to be sampled. Think the best of surf ‘n’ turf – fish freshly landed at Union Hall and local steak, lamb and burgers.
Celtic Ross Hotel
It’s also well worth sampling the bar’s cocktail offerings - the west Cork espresso martini (€13) makes for a delicious end to your meal made with Irish spirits including the decadent Five Farms liqueur.
When you’re not sampling nearby delicacies, there’s plenty to see and do in the area. Taking a dip – or a snooze under the sun - at Warren beach or go for a nature walk with local expert and wildlife enthusiast Calvin Jones. His wildlife tours offer a new way of witnessing the west on foot, and you’ll come back with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the natural space.
After exploring, retire to the hotel and take in the scenery from the terrace or sink into a restful sleep. Make sure to set your alarm for breakfast, though, as that’s another culinary experience you won’t want to miss!
Rooms at the Celtic Cross Hotel start from €179 per night. Visit celticrosshotel.com
discover history
in the Boyne Valley
The Boyne Valley
The Boyne Valley is the perfect one-stop shop for a day out in Ireland this summer, writes Sarah McIntosh.
Being the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, you’ll find fantastic food and drink, outdoor activities and cultural gems dotted around Co Meath and south Co Louth.
Start your day on the Hill of Tara, taking in the 360-degree views at this religious site. In use for more than 5,000 years as a place of burial and assembly, the Hill of Tara grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. From its rolling slopes, you can allegedly see one-quarter of Ireland, including Lough Crew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond.
From the Hill of Tara, take a 15-minute drive to Emerald Park. If you are looking for a thrill, definitely give the roller-coasters a go. Dino Dash is a good one for anyone who doesn’t like heights while the legendary Cú Chulainn is not for the faint-hearted. The ‘World of Raptors’ show - where you can watch a spectacular bird of prey flying demonstration - is a must-see.
The perfect spot for some lunch is Sage and Stone, an award-winning family-owned restaurant located in Duleek. This farmhouse café and takeaway serves great-tasting hearty food using the best of local ingredients.
In Drogheda town, the Highlanes Gallery is worth a visit. This visual art space is situated in the former Franciscan church, known locally as the “High Lane Church”. Sustain your visit with a stop off at the on-site café, Five Good Things.
To learn more visit
discoverboynevalley.ie
Explore Ireland’s
Bay of Naples
When thinking of a trip to Dublin, people usually imagine a city break. But what about Dublin’s beautiful coastal scenery too? asks Shannen Wilkin
Easily accessible from the city with the DART or the M50 if driving, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel nestled between Killiney Hill and Dalkey is a great location to experience the enclave of south county Dublin life.
A must-do when in this area is a walk up Killiney Hill to the obelisk which provides an unsurpassed view of Ireland’s “Bay of Naples”. The hill is steep, with lots of way markers so be sure to wear good footwear and stay hydrated.
Dalkey village is a bustling hub of cafes, pubs and restaurants so take a walk down for a spot of people watching. Bring a towel under your arm for a dip at Bullock harbour and experience the local way of life. Pop into Dalkey castle and heritage centre and take in the Maeve Binchy experience.
Back at the hotel, spend some time in the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. For braver souls, you might like to book the Sea-Swimmers retreat. This one-night package includes a three-course meal for two and a light breakfast before taking off to the nearby Vico baths or the Forty-Foot in your complimentary robe. Prices from €304 per night.
Visit Fitzpatrickcastle.com
Curl up with
the cats
There is a lot to be said for parking the car on arrival and not thinking about it until it is time to return home, writes Caitríona Bolger.
Checking into Pembroke Kilkenny in the heart of this historic city, is the ideal place to switch off from everyday life and return revived and rejuvenated from a getaway break.
Take in the city centre surroundings on arrival from your spacious room; enjoy the views over to Kilkenny Castle or onto bustling Patrick street. Enjoy a taste of Kilkenny with a meal at Statham’s Restaurant; named after the site where the Statham-Ford car was designed and constructed in 1929.
The Pembroke Hotel is located in the heart of Kilkenny City.
Take a wander down the street to the city’s centre point, The Parade, and decide to head up High street towards the museums, churches and shops or veer right and take in the expanse of the castle grounds.
Kilkenny Arts Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this August and if you fancy adding some art – little or large - to your home, this would be a good time to visit. Exhibitions will take place throughout the city with options for all budgets.
Before leaving, book some time in Mint by Pembroke for a massage, facial or spa treatment and look forward to a delicious café style breakfast in the hotel before returning to that parked car!
From €169 per night. Visit Pembrokekilkenny.com
Keeping the rugby dream alive
The International Rugby Experience is the home of legends of the game in the heart of the Treaty city. Open seven days a week from 9:30am – 6pm, check out the fully interactive experience that tells the story of the game of rugby and everything it stands for in Limerick.
Enjoy a Breakfast of Champions at the Savoy Hotel, Limerick city
Follow the game from a community, grass roots level up to the players, clubs and nations that have reached legendary status. Rooted in world rugby’s values of passion, discipline, integrity, solidarity and respect, discover the real people behind the game, as well as how it has impacted politics, brought rivals together, transformed communities and improved lives.
Located in the heart of the city, on O’Connell street, make a day-trip of it or if travelling from further afield, The Savoy Limerick on adjoining Henry street has been known to serve a breakfast of champions.
Adults €15, children €10, family rates available Summer Breeze Dinner, Bed, breakfast and cocktail summer special breaks from €353 for two people per night at The Savoy, Henry street, Limerick.
internationalrugbyexperience.com
Read more
Cavan’s hidden heartlands
Beara: all things bright and beautiful
Gateway to west Cork
Just over the Rosscarbery bridge is a west Cork gem, writes Saoirse Hanley.
The Celtic Ross Hotel embodies everything this picturesque corner of the country is famous for - friendly hospitality, top-class food and a community spirit that can’t be bought, from the warm welcome at reception to the genuine hospitality throughout the restaurant, bar and leisure centre.
Speaking of the restaurant and bar, the food served in the Kingfisher Bistro is delicious, with plenty of local produce to be sampled. Think the best of surf ‘n’ turf – fish freshly landed at Union Hall and local steak, lamb and burgers.
Celtic Ross Hotel
It’s also well worth sampling the bar’s cocktail offerings - the west Cork espresso martini (€13) makes for a delicious end to your meal made with Irish spirits including the decadent Five Farms liqueur.
When you’re not sampling nearby delicacies, there’s plenty to see and do in the area. Taking a dip – or a snooze under the sun - at Warren beach or go for a nature walk with local expert and wildlife enthusiast Calvin Jones. His wildlife tours offer a new way of witnessing the west on foot, and you’ll come back with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the natural space.
After exploring, retire to the hotel and take in the scenery from the terrace or sink into a restful sleep. Make sure to set your alarm for breakfast, though, as that’s another culinary experience you won’t want to miss!
Rooms at the Celtic Cross Hotel start from €179 per night. Visit celticrosshotel.com
discover history
in the Boyne Valley
The Boyne Valley
The Boyne Valley is the perfect one-stop shop for a day out in Ireland this summer, writes Sarah McIntosh.
Being the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, you’ll find fantastic food and drink, outdoor activities and cultural gems dotted around Co Meath and south Co Louth.
Start your day on the Hill of Tara, taking in the 360-degree views at this religious site. In use for more than 5,000 years as a place of burial and assembly, the Hill of Tara grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. From its rolling slopes, you can allegedly see one-quarter of Ireland, including Lough Crew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond.
From the Hill of Tara, take a 15-minute drive to Emerald Park. If you are looking for a thrill, definitely give the roller-coasters a go. Dino Dash is a good one for anyone who doesn’t like heights while the legendary Cú Chulainn is not for the faint-hearted. The ‘World of Raptors’ show - where you can watch a spectacular bird of prey flying demonstration - is a must-see.
The perfect spot for some lunch is Sage and Stone, an award-winning family-owned restaurant located in Duleek. This farmhouse café and takeaway serves great-tasting hearty food using the best of local ingredients.
In Drogheda town, the Highlanes Gallery is worth a visit. This visual art space is situated in the former Franciscan church, known locally as the “High Lane Church”. Sustain your visit with a stop off at the on-site café, Five Good Things.
To learn more visit
discoverboynevalley.ie
Explore Ireland’s
Bay of Naples
When thinking of a trip to Dublin, people usually imagine a city break. But what about Dublin’s beautiful coastal scenery too? asks Shannen Wilkin
Easily accessible from the city with the DART or the M50 if driving, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel nestled between Killiney Hill and Dalkey is a great location to experience the enclave of south county Dublin life.
A must-do when in this area is a walk up Killiney Hill to the obelisk which provides an unsurpassed view of Ireland’s “Bay of Naples”. The hill is steep, with lots of way markers so be sure to wear good footwear and stay hydrated.
Dalkey village is a bustling hub of cafes, pubs and restaurants so take a walk down for a spot of people watching. Bring a towel under your arm for a dip at Bullock harbour and experience the local way of life. Pop into Dalkey castle and heritage centre and take in the Maeve Binchy experience.
Back at the hotel, spend some time in the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. For braver souls, you might like to book the Sea-Swimmers retreat. This one-night package includes a three-course meal for two and a light breakfast before taking off to the nearby Vico baths or the Forty-Foot in your complimentary robe. Prices from €304 per night.
Visit Fitzpatrickcastle.com
Curl up with
the cats
There is a lot to be said for parking the car on arrival and not thinking about it until it is time to return home, writes Caitríona Bolger.
Checking into Pembroke Kilkenny in the heart of this historic city, is the ideal place to switch off from everyday life and return revived and rejuvenated from a getaway break.
Take in the city centre surroundings on arrival from your spacious room; enjoy the views over to Kilkenny Castle or onto bustling Patrick street. Enjoy a taste of Kilkenny with a meal at Statham’s Restaurant; named after the site where the Statham-Ford car was designed and constructed in 1929.
The Pembroke Hotel is located in the heart of Kilkenny City.
Take a wander down the street to the city’s centre point, The Parade, and decide to head up High street towards the museums, churches and shops or veer right and take in the expanse of the castle grounds.
Kilkenny Arts Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this August and if you fancy adding some art – little or large - to your home, this would be a good time to visit. Exhibitions will take place throughout the city with options for all budgets.
Before leaving, book some time in Mint by Pembroke for a massage, facial or spa treatment and look forward to a delicious café style breakfast in the hotel before returning to that parked car!
From €169 per night. Visit Pembrokekilkenny.com
Keeping the rugby dream alive
The International Rugby Experience is the home of legends of the game in the heart of the Treaty city. Open seven days a week from 9:30am – 6pm, check out the fully interactive experience that tells the story of the game of rugby and everything it stands for in Limerick.
Enjoy a Breakfast of Champions at the Savoy Hotel, Limerick city
Follow the game from a community, grass roots level up to the players, clubs and nations that have reached legendary status. Rooted in world rugby’s values of passion, discipline, integrity, solidarity and respect, discover the real people behind the game, as well as how it has impacted politics, brought rivals together, transformed communities and improved lives.
Located in the heart of the city, on O’Connell street, make a day-trip of it or if travelling from further afield, The Savoy Limerick on adjoining Henry street has been known to serve a breakfast of champions.
Adults €15, children €10, family rates available Summer Breeze Dinner, Bed, breakfast and cocktail summer special breaks from €353 for two people per night at The Savoy, Henry street, Limerick.
internationalrugbyexperience.com
Read more
Cavan’s hidden heartlands
Beara: all things bright and beautiful
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