Wishing Steps, Sheep, Sculpture and Daffodils at Blarney Castle Gardens

Wishing Steps and Daffodils at Blarney Castle Gardens

11.03.2026 

Short videos of the Wishing Steps (remember you must walk backwards to have your wish granted!)

Fancy a flight? Flights. And Bites. At Old Brennan's Wine House

Fancy a flight?

Flights. And Bites. At Old Brennan's Wine House

Mead (nearest camera)

Local Delights

The list of flights at Old Brennan's Wine House mostly include wines, of course, but Frank and the team also give you the chance to try some local delights, such as the Killahora drinks from their south-facing Glounthaune orchard and the trio of Kinsale meads that I chose.

Kinsale Mead Flight

Mead is the world's oldest alcoholic drink, with honey as its main ingredient, and we are lucky to have a couple of mead masters in Kinsale. While I was sampling the Hazy Summer Mead, it was winning gold in Poland, another honour for Kate and Denis, a nice way to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary. An indication too of the quality Old Brennan's have included in their flights.

I had started with Atlantic Dry Mead, a traditional style “white” Mead, crisp with citrus honey flavour. A promise of good things to come as my next sample was that gold-winning Hazy Summer Mead, now officially the best dry mixed berry mead in Europe. The meadery describes it as  “an off-dry berry mead with generous strawberry and raspberry aromas”. It is well worth seeking out!

The finalé was their Wild Red Mead. Beautifully off-dry with those standout Wexford blackcurrants aided by dark cherry, its smoother style makes it a favourite with wine drinkers.

Killahora. Pic by Brennans

White Wine Flight

The Picpoul de Pinet from France rarely disappoints and the Trieze Vents, full of flavour and with the typical zesty freshness, certainly didn’t.

Something new appeared next, the Gasper from Slovenia, a crisp, silky, fruity blend of Chardonnay and Rebula*. Quite impressive.

Always love a good Pecorino (the cheese as well as the wine!) and the full-bodied Beri from Abruzzo, didn't let us down.

A very well chosen trio indeed.

The Pecorino grape is so called because a bunch resembles a sheep’s head (see pic on right). Another story is that the bunches are a favourite treat for the sheep. Wine-Searcher.com says: Pecorino cheese is, coincidentally, a surprisingly good food match for Pecorino wine.

Grapes

Killahora Orchards Flight 

Just a few short years ago, Killahora made their first and lasting Impression on the local drinks scene with the cheekily named Johnny Fall Down Bittersweet Cider, full bodied, complex and right up there with the best of them.

Pom O, with the juice from bittersweet apples with the finest apple brandy and aged in Irish whiskey barrels for at least a year, is a beauty, lightly chilled as an aperitif and also favourite in cocktails.

My favourite is perhaps their Rare Apple Ice Wine. Here they employ freezing temperatures to obtain a rich must, which gets slowly fermented over a year to create a luscious balanced dessert wine.

50ml servings here, 70 for the wines.

Rose

TheRosé Wine Flight includes a fresh and crisp Pinot Grigio, Bosco Brush from Italy; 

Baron de Ley’s blend of Garnacha and Cabernet, a Rosada from Rioja, a fruity and refreshing with strawberry notes, is a very interesting, not to say unexpected  choice. But that’s the idea behind Frank’s flights. 

Kennel, Côtes de Provence Rosé France, is indeed one that you’d expect - very few would leave Provence out of a selection or rosés. 

All three come in 70 ml measures.

Sparking Wine Flight

Bedin Prosecco Spumante Rosé Millesimato N.V. A subtle pale pink hue with perfumed scents of rose and eglantine.

Pares Balta, Cava Brut NV, Penedes N.V

Pure, lean and crystal clear organic Cava. The flavour is of apples, pears and a touch of white peach.

Dezzani, Moscato d'Asti

Low alcohol, slightly sparkling sweet wine with big floral notes.

All 70m

Gubbeen Chorizo Patatas Bravas. Pic by Brennans

Red Wine Flight

The three reds on offer were:

1 Bourg Laschamps Pinot Noir, Ardèche France

2 Bevi, d'Abruzzo Italy Montepulciano,

3 Saparavi Bedoba, Kakheti ,Georgia 

Mixed Wine Flight

1 Gasper, Goriska Brda, a Chardonnay/Rebula blend from Slovenia 

2 Baron de Ley, Lagrima Rosado, Rioja Spain has Garnacha and Cabernet Franc in the mix.

 3 Bevi, d'Abruzzo Italy  Montepulciano, that you also see in Red flight.

• an ancient, high-quality white grape variety 

Bites

Quite a large choice of food here these days, very tempting also. The menu is divided into Nibbles, Small Plates, cheese, charcuterie and fish Sharing Boards.You could well start with some of the Bar Bites such as Marinated Olives or Smoked Almonds. 

Crudités. Pic by Brennans

We probably spent more time checking the Small Plates than other parts of the menu with the likes of Garlic Butter Prawns on Toast, The Burrata and Beetroot, and the Hoisin Duck Carpaccio, all tempting us. 

What we did enjoy, with the flights, were the Crudités and Buttermilk Ranch (Crisp seasonal vegetables with creamy herb buttermilk ranch for dipping). I knew I was on a winner here as my love of raw vegetables goes back to when I was a kid working in nearby farms and the home garden, always had a penknife handy to clean and chop up a carrot or, if really hungry, a turnip. 

Our other dish was their equally enjoyable Wild Mushroom Pâté (whipped wild mushroom pâté, finished with a herb crème fraîche. served with toasted brioche). 

Quite a buzz here early on a Thursday evening and to add to the pleasure of the drink and the food was an excellent front of house team.

More signs of Spring at Blarney Castle Gardens

Green buds of Cherry Blossom

 More signs of Spring at Blarney Castle Gardens

Pictures 3rd March 2026

Castle, river, and Ester Barrett's St Hubert's Stag

Blarney House, opens to the public for a few weeks at the peak of the season

Castle, its tall watchtower and river.

Castle and Ester Barrett's Catch

Castle and its tall watch tower.

Castle, crocuses

Crocuses

Cut branches are used to make this fence.

Morning sunshine highlights moss on the branches.

THE METROPOLE HOTEL LAUNCHES MOTHER’S DAY MENU.

press release 

THE METROPOLE HOTEL LAUNCHES MOTHER’S DAY MENU 

The Metropole Hotel is inviting people to show their appreciation for their mother this Mother’s Day.

Located in the heart of the VQ area of Cork City, the team of chefs at the Metropole Hotel have designed a three-course menu using locally sourced and seasonal produce. 

Served in the newly refurbished Merchant Restaurant overlooking the River Lee, the three-course meal will be available from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and costs €55 per person. There will also be a children’s a la carte menu available on the day.

For those who prefer a lighter option, there is a seasonal afternoon tea available from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The afternoon tea is €45 per person and includes three layers of patisseries, scones and savouries with options such as The Met “Swiss Roll”, freshly baked scones and West Cork smoked salmon on brown bread.

For those opting for the three course meal, the menu includes:

Starters 

• Homemade Seasonal Soup with Buckley’s Bakery Brown Soda Bread & Glenilen Butter

• Roaring Water Bay Mussels with Lime & Soy Butter, Fresh Scallions, Toasted Sesame

• Fior Di Latte with Pea and Mint Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Focaccia

• Classic Chicken & Bacon Vol au Vent with Pickled Wild Variety Mushrooms, Confit Leek, Shaved Vegetable Salad 

 

Main Courses 

 

 

• Spiced Cauliflower with Puree, Pickled Leaves, Pickled Cauliflower, Orange Dressing

• Wild Atlantic Cod with Warm Tartar Sauce, Caramelised Celeriac, Wilted Baby Gem 

• Roasted Striploin of Irish Beef with Roasted Beetroot, Horseradish, Spinach Emulsion, Peppered Jus 

• Confit Duck Leg with Pressed Potato Pavé, Kale & Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Elderberry Jus 

 

All Served With Seasonal Vegetables & Roast Potatoes 

 

Desserts   

• Luker 80% Dark Chocolate Delice with Sauternes Poached Pear, Malted Barley Brittle, E.V.O. 

• Poached Apple & Five Spice Mousse Cake with Crème Anglaise, Toasted Walnut, Walnut Dressing   

• Black Treacle Tart with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 

• White Chocolate & Berry Cheesecake with Caramelised White Chocolate, Wild Berry Compote 

 

Freshly Brewed Tea and Coffee  

Booking is essential and all reservations can be made on https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/dine/the-met-dinner/ or call 021 464 3700.

MUM’S THE WORD AT DUNLUCE LODGE!

press release

MUM’S THE WORD AT DUNLUCE LODGE!

 

Give the gift of breathtaking beauty, indulgent pampering, and timeless memories this Mother’s Day at Dunluce Lodge in Portrush, perched along Northern Ireland’s dramatic north coast. From the awe-inspiring cliffs and Atlantic waves to the historic allure of Dunluce Castle and the legendary Giant’s Causeway, every moment here is a celebration of life’s finer pleasures.

Overnight Escape - Step into a world of serene luxury. An overnight stay at Dunluce Lodge offers elegantly appointed rooms with sumptuous bedding, stunning vistas across the sea, the gardens and Royal Portrush Golf Course.  Let her wake to the soft sound of waves and the scent of the sea in the air (From £310 B&B per room per night).

 

Spa Indulgence - From rejuvenating massages to bespoke therapies designed to restore mind, body, and soul, Dunluce Lodge’s spa experience is an invitation to indulge in serenity. Located in quiet building separate from the hotel, the intimate spa offers guests an opportunity to completely retreat from the world. 

 

Divine Lunch or Exquisite Dinner - Celebrate her with a culinary experience to remember. Whether it’s an elegant afternoon tea, lunch showcasing the finest local ingredients or an elegant dinner crafted with sophistication and flair, each meal is a feast for the senses and is always a real treat.

 

Flexible Gift Vouchers - Dunluce Lodge vouchers allow the recipient to pick what they would like to enjoy themselves—from an overnight escape to a spa treatment or a signature dining experience.

Every detail at Dunluce Lodge, from the sweeping coastal views to the exquisite interior comforts, reflects a commitment to creating unforgettable moments.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious and intimate five-star hotels. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting.

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB. For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700

 

***************************

 

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’ 

 

Winter asks more from the body than we often realise. With shorter days and reduced natural light, our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy and hormone production — begins to shift. This can affect everything from alertness and mood to melatonin release at night, leaving many people feeling more tired, sluggish, sad or mentally foggy.

 

Sometimes the finest luxuries cannot rival the impact of a truly great night’s sleep. Problems feel less overwhelming, perspective returns and the day ahead becomes brighter after deep, uninterrupted rest. Acknowledging winter’s slower rhythm — and the body’s instinctive need for more sleep — is often the first step toward restoring balance.

 

Responding to this, Dunluce Lodge has launched its restorative and immersive ‘Sleepcation’, a stay designed entirely around rest, relaxation and deep sleep.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest five-star retreat and one of its most intimate. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting into a refined escape designed for complete relaxation.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation is a fully immersive experience centred on restorative rest. The stay includes an overnight escape, breakfast, a signature spa treatment, calming sleep tea and a curated bedtime wellness offering, with amenities including a Seabody Sleep Balm and a carefully considered night-time ritual designed to help guests fully switch off and unwind. (?580 per room for two people sharing).

 

At its heart is the sleep experience itself. Guests settle into ultra-comfortable Hypnos, handmade beds layered with natural fibres and cashmere guard duvets and Cheviot wool pillows by local brand, Ava Innes, chosen for their gentle weight and natural temperature regulation.  The brand pioneers a unique, sustainable duvet fill made from cashmere guard hair — a forgotten luxury fibre offering gentle weight, exceptional temperature regulation and a sleep experience grounded in natural wellbeing.

Outside, the only sound is the Atlantic rolling steadily onto the shore, while inside the Lodge, a deep quiet settles after dusk. A short bedtime story inspired by local folklore — tales of giants and heroes such as Finn McCumhaill — is left on each bed as part of the turndown ritual, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and return to the simple comfort of reading before sleeping.

 

The woodland spa plays a central role in the experience. The Drift & Dream Ritual by Seabody begins with grounding breathwork, followed by a personalised massage using warm Lavendar poultices, aromatherapy oil and finished with Seabody’s brand-new Sleep Balm. Stretching, lymphatic drainage and gentle acupressure guide the body into deep relaxation, preparing both body and mind for rest.

 

Dining at Dunluce Lodge complements the experience, with Executive Chef Stephen Holland and his team showcasing the best of the region’s seasonal produce through thoughtful, locally inspired menus. Evenings unfold slowly — cocktails by the fire, oysters at the bar or watching the last light fade into the Atlantic — before retreating to suites where comfort, stillness and the rhythm of the sea take over.

 

Located along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and moments from Whiterocks Beach via a private walkway, the Lodge offers a rare sense of calm in one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, within easy reach of landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation ultimately pays homage to the restorative power of sleep, embracing the rituals, environment and natural elements that support true rest. By bringing together sea air, silence, natural fibres and a slower pace of living, Dunluce Lodge invites guests to reconnect with their natural rhythms and rediscover the transformative power of deep, uninterrupted sleep. 

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB

 

For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700

St Fin Barre's, Cork City. And environs.

St Fin Barre's. And environs.

pics taken 27th Feb 2026

St Fin Barre's

Four fellas at the cathedral door.

Cathedral and new bridge

Counting House (from Beamish & Crawford)

Proby's Kitchen

Golden Angel

Keyser Hill, also below

At the cathedral - not a maze!