BARBERSTOWN CASTLE’S ‘FIELD OF SUNSHINE’ RAISES A WHOPPING €16,000 FOR TWO IRISH CHARITIES

 BARBERSTOWN CASTLE’S ‘FIELD OF SUNSHINE’ RAISES A WHOPPING €16,000 FOR TWO IRISH CHARITIES

-Sensational Kids and Women’s Aid to receive €8,000 each following the overwhelming success of Barberstown Castle’s sunflower field initiative-

Amanda Torrens owner of Barberstown Castle in sunflower field

 

What began as a field of sunflowers at Barberstown Castle in Straffan, Co. Kildare has blossomed into something truly special, with the historic Castle announcing that an incredible €16,000 has been raised for two deserving Irish charities, Sensational Kids and Women’s Aid.

 

The final donations have now been counted following the hugely successful summer initiative, which saw thousands of sunflowers transform three acres of the historic estate in into a spectacular sea of yellow. The €16,000 raised will be divided equally between the two charities, with each receiving €8,000.

 

Throughout August, visitors flocked to Barberstown Castle to wander through the colourful sunflower field, capture photographs and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, while making voluntary donations to the two charities.  The initiative captured the imagination of the public, with families, couples, children and photography enthusiasts coming from near and far to experience one of the most colourful attractions of the summer. With no fixed admission charge, visitors were simply invited to donate whatever they could afford, making the experience accessible to everyone.

 

Amanda Torrens, owner and CEO of Barberstown Castle, said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who supported the initiative. “We have been absolutely blown away by the response and, most importantly, by the generosity of everyone who came to visit. It was wonderful to see so many families and visitors enjoying the sunflowers, taking photographs and making memories. There was such a lovely atmosphere around the Castle throughout the summer.

 

“To be able to present €8,000 each to Sensational Kids and Women’s Aid is something we are enormously proud of. Both organisations do extraordinary work, supporting children, women and families who really need their services. We are so grateful to everyone who donated and helped us turn a simple field of sunflowers into something that will make a meaningful difference to people's lives.”

 

Sensational Kids, the award-winning Kildare-based charity and social enterprise, provides subsidised therapy and assessment services for children and adolescents, including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. Since its establishment in 2007, the charity has supported more than 10,000 children and their families.

 

Women’s Aid is one of Ireland’s leading national organisations working to prevent and address domestic violence and abuse, providing vital support, information and services to women and children throughout the country.

 

The Castle has also supported a number of charitable initiatives, including The Bumblebee 1000, in aid of Little Blue Heroes, and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which raises funds and awareness for men's health.

For Amanda Torrens and the team at Barberstown Castle, the success of the sunflower field has demonstrated how a simple idea can bring a community together and create a lasting impact.

 

“Sometimes it is the simplest ideas that turn out to be the most rewarding. The sunflowers may have finished blooming for this year, but the generosity and kindness shown by everyone who visited will have a much longer-lasting impact. That, for us, is the real success of this wonderful project.”

 

Sheila Zebedee of Sensational Kids said, “We are so grateful to the team at Barberstown who have generously helped us to raise much needed funds for our organisation. We are an Irish national charity and non-profit social enterprise that provides affordable, timely therapy and developmental support for children and adolescents with additional needs. Every cent we raise helps provide services to children and young people who need it.”

 

Emma Greally of Women’s Aid said, “Every cent we raise helps prevents domestic abuse and provides essential support, resources, and advocacy for women and children affected by abuse. The demand for our services is on the rise and we need to continue to fund raise to ensure we can help deliver essential services for the women and children who need our help. This money is gratefully accepted and will go towards the funding and continuation of our services.”

 

For further information on Barberstown Castle, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie

 

Market Lane. Something good for every one in the party!

Market Lane. Something delicious for every one in the party!

An expansive lunch menu and impressive service

Dark Angel. Never miss a
chance to try this gem
at source.

An expansive menu and impressive service kept the full eleven of us in good form as we gathered for an enjoyable birthday lunch in Market Lane at the weekend. Starters included everything from Dongpo braised pork belly in ginger and soy with cucumber & shaved fennel salad to the vegan Carrot and parmesan dumplings, cavolo nero kale fried in toasted hazelnut butter. 

From about a dozen choices in the mains list, you may pick from dishes such as Roast butternut and Cashel Blue salad, cranberries, barley, toasted pumpkin seeds, mustard dressed radicchio & rocket, and Crispy torn chicken salad in a yakiniku glaze with sugar snaps, scallions, coriander, sesame and rice noodles. All those spices, nuts and seeds enhance the flavours here and each of our eleven left well fed and happy.

. 

The Chicken liver pâté, fig & apple chutney, crunchy pickles and toasted sourdough was the most popular of the starters but my pick was the Beetroot and walnut koftas, tomato confit, whipped cashew cream and crispy basil (above)

The Fish and chips were flying out to tables around the upstairs room and four of our group made them their choice. The chips come in an Elbow beer batter with the traditional tartare sauce and pea purée. One happy diner gave them a big thumbs up, delighted in particular with the thin batter, "no need to poke around to try and find the fish!".

Our own CL is something of a fish aficionado and her pick was Pan roasted hake, tomato, pepper and aubergine ratatouille, fried baby potatoes, pistachio pistou (above).

Slow cooked Crowe’s bacon collar, mustard glaze, parsnip and scallion mash,
carrot purée, creamy leek sauce and braised hispi cabbage

I ordered this bacon collar on a recommendation from across the table, a very good tip as it turned out and one I can happily pass on to you. Market Lane buy much of their ingredients and produce from the English Market. They also support, and have done for years, local producers such as Crowe's (Tipperary), Skeaghanore (West Cork), Killahora (East Cork), Cashel Blue (Tipperary), Baldwin's Ice Cream (West Waterford)  and quite a few more.

There was no clear "winner" when it came to dessert though it was only a feeling of being more or less full that held a few back from ordering Market Lane's famous Marmalade and vanilla bread & butter pudding, custard and whipped cream.

The Blackberry and mint sorbet with cardamom and hazelnut granola (above) went down well to my right. Me? Well I picked the Layered chocolate and hazelnut delice, white chocolate mousse, mocha sauce and toasted hazelnuts (below). After all, I had to get something to hold the candles! Thanks to the team at Market Lane for helping us mark the occasion.

Dine underwater without getting wet! That’s the promise from Dingle's Humble Fishmonger.

Dine underwater without getting wet! That’s the promise from Dingle's Humble Fishmonger.

Super Prawn Roll . They also had lobster rolls on special.

Here at Wave Dingle, you may indeed enjoy your meal with dolphins and rays and lots of smaller fish as well passing by in the expansive 3D underwater display room (or outside on the deck!). The long room is dimly lit and, on the side opposite the long display screen, long strips (representing seaweeds) hang from the roof. In the middle of the floor there’s a large rock with starfish attached.

And you’ll be well fed too with incredible fresh seafood from hot honey grilled prawn rolls to classic Guinness-battered fish and ice cold Aperol Spritzes plus local craft beer (go for the blonde). Enjoy your meal inside the display room or outside on the deck!

Indeed, that Hot Honey Prawn Roll (€15.50) consisting of Grilled prawns, hot honey, chilli mayo, and rocket was one of my choices and perhaps the dish of the evening, sweet and fresh and in a soft brioche bun.

In fresh seafood places, I’m often inclined to try the oysters. And they had a few versions to try here including the Classic Mignonette (red wine vinegar, shallots & black pepper) and also Jalapeño Granita with lime & cucumber.  My pick though as the Rockefeller with butter, herbs & panko breadcrumbs. Superb and fairly priced at €18.00 for six.

We could also have started with some non-fish Grilled Sourdough Toast (crostini), with Garlic, or Mozzarella or Cheddar.

CL started with mussels (12.50, mains with fries 19.50). And she had choices: Mariniere, Thai or Drunken Sailor. She picked the Thai and that enhanced the molluscs no end.

Her second dish was the Crispy Calamari Salad with Cajun seasoning, sesame, sweet chilli, rocket, Asian pickled cucumbers (Starter €10.00 / Mains €16.50). Quite a bowlful of these crispy and flavoursome calamari and I managed to steal a few samples. Another dish from the Fishmonger that we can highly recommend.

And there’s more than dine-in here. Most of the dishes are available to take away, indeed the dine-in ones are also served mostly in “cardboard’; containers,. And , if you’d like to cook at home, there’s also a fresh fish counter.

Calamari

And it is not all fish as the restaurant also offers a quarter of burgers.

So there you have it, The Humble Fishmonger is a sea-to-table seafood bar, shop, and takeaway located at  (The Wood) in Dingle, operated by the four-generation O'Catháin family. 

The family, who have their fishing roots in the famous Blasket Islands, expertly combine a working fish-processing factory with a casual dining experience, featuring an immersive (not submersive!) 3D underwater display room and a candlelit pirate room at Wave Dingle, plus outdoor deck seating.

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (available for dine-in and popular takeaway).

Contact: +353 (0)87 476 9319

Info, including menu, here

Also on this trip:

The Humble Fishmonger

Dingle on a Sunny Saturday

Blas na hEireann winners 2026

Fenton's Restaurant Dingle

Greenmount House

Exploring "Terroirs Project" with Le Caveau in Dingle

Autumn's settling in at Blarney Castle Gardens.

Autumn's settling in at Blarney Castle Gardens

pics: 18.10.26

Great Western Cedar, after recent trim.

Artichoke (or Cardoon?)

Michaelmas Daisy

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Butterflies still active in Blarney Castle Gardens.

pics: 09.10.26

A peacock butterfly, busy on a Michaelmas Daisy

The great Western Cedar tree has been pruned, if that is the word.

Autumn's creeping in!

The castle and Ester Barrett's "survival"

Venus fly traps

In the carnivorous garden

Virginia Creeper turning red.

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Spiders are busy in the wood at Blarney Castle Gardens

Autumn's arriving (and below)

Fern Tree

Ireland's Tree of the Year 2019 will bewitch you  in the Blarney Castle Gardens

Pics: 09.05.2026

The amazing Witches Yew Tree (well, most of it) at @blarneycastleandgardens.
It was Ireland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

 Celtic Peace Dove  by Nigel

Regaining community with the help of Cork Penny Dinners

 Regaining community with the help of Cork Penny Dinners

Chef Jack working on the menu

When you first think of Cork Penny Dinners, you may not think of it as a place of joy as yes, those who are homeless and hungry come to the Cork charity on James Street for much needed support and respite from their difficult situations. But many people do find their way back to joy and community with the help of Penny Dinners.

 

Volunteering is a huge part of the Cork charity’s work and makes an amazing impact. Why take when you could be giving? Paul McHugh is one example. Having suffered a stroke, he decided to give something back and he and his family joined the volunteers in James Street.

 

When I walked into the premises a few weeks back, the first person I met was Lisa Murphy, busy at a food station. I didn’t know then that she was a former service user, homeless for a few years and relying on Penny Dinners. But she bounced back and is now a key member or the charity’s team. Not just Penny Dinners but also a voluntary contributor to the Mayfield Community Development Project and her dedication was noted in 2025 when she was honoured as Volunteer of the Year for City North at the Cork Volunteer Awards.

Volunteers all.

 

Speaking of volunteering means speaking of Catriona Twomey, the long-time volunteer coordinator and trustee at Cork Penny Dinners. Indeed, the name is synonymous with Cork Penny Dinners.

 

In 2021, she was deservedly the Cork Person of the Year, joining a varied and distinguished list that includes the likes of John Creedon (broadcaster), The Frank and Walters (band), John A Murphy (historian) and top sports people such as Sonia O’Sullivan, Roy Keane, Rob Heffernan and Jimmy Barry Murphy.  Caitriona remains a valued member of the board of trustees.   

If you ask any Cork person for their favourite charity, Cork Penny Dinners will more than likely top the list. It seems it has been there forever. Not quite forever, but the charity was founded in 1888. 

Inspired by a growing movement in London, where a single penny could buy a hot, nourishing meal, a group of women in Cork took action. “On March 12th, they met at the Imperial Hotel to bring the Penny Dinner idea to their city - not as charity in the traditional sense, but as a dignified, structured form of nourishment and care.” 

 

As years turned into decades, the work continued through war, recession, urban change, and rising need. Cork answered again and again - with pennies, potatoes, and presence. And so it continues today and, no doubt, into the future though they wouldn’t mind becoming redundant if and when society no longer needs their intervention.

For the present though, the work goes on. 

 

Covid 19 forced them into takeaway only but the recently reopened sit-down service is much appreciated as it opens an avenue to company and a chat. 

The charity receives no government funding and it doesn't charge service users a penny to come and eat. The charity recently launched its Just One Meal appeal asking members of the public to donate to help cover the cost of preparing and serving one warm, nutritious meal at their James Street kitchen in Cork. You can donate to Just One Meal at corkpennydinners.org/justonemeal/.

* Thanks to Sharon Murphy (GM Cork Penny Dinners) and her staff for help in putting this post together.

 

Summary

Cork Penny Dinners, a venerable and vital charitable organisation, provide nourishing hot meals, warm clothing, and essential support to those experiencing food poverty, homelessness, and hardship. Operating 365 days a year—including Christmas Day—the charity relies entirely on public donations, volunteers, and community goodwill to maintain its unconditional "no judgment" service. 

 

Services & Support Provided

• Hot Meals: Freshly prepared three-course meals (soup, main course, dessert, and tea/coffee) served daily in a welcoming, newly restored sit-down environment.
• Takeaway Food: Sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, juice, and water to sustain individuals into the evening.
• Material Aid: Access to warm winter clothing (jumpers, hats, scarves) and essential bedding like sleeping bags and duvets.
• Food Hampers: Distribution of roughly 100 dedicated food parcels every week to families struggling with the cost of living. 

 

Location & Operating Hours

The charity operates out of its modern, expanded facility located just off Washington Street near the courthouse. 

 

• Address: 13 James St, Centre, Cork, T12PN7X
• Hours: 7 days a week, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Contact: +353 21 206 6544 | mail@corkpennydinners.ie 

 

 

Greenmount House. One of the very best!

 Greenmount House. One of the very best!

Breakfast is a treat at Greenmount House in Dingle, not least because it is taken in one of the best dining rooms, overlooking Dingle and its bay. Service is top-notch. Your Full Irish will be adjusted to order, unlike many places that seem to note your requests but then ignore them when the plate arrives. That Full Irish, packed with local produce, is indeed a treat and another is Diana’s Golden Pancakes. Other main courses include Floyd’s Florentine, Halloumi Stack, Vegan Morning Salad and Maria’s Egg Roll.

And tea or coffee? Of course, but here, they ask if you want it immediately or when your food is being served. So we ask for it with the food, and that's when it arrives. And believe it or not, there is a dessert option, Home Baked Traditional Hot Pudding or Cake of the Day! After your opening juice, another treat to look out for is their warm succulent marinated fruit offering.

The impressive architect-designed house at the top of Dingle’s John Street catches your eye as you drive up. But it is the warm welcome that stays longest with you. It's all calm and warm from the instant you walk in until the goodbye chat. Here, you are among new friends. And that warmth continued throughout.

I have stayed in a variety of hotels and other accommodations in Ireland over recent years and have no hesitation at all in putting Dingle’s Greenmount House at the top of the list. Here, thanks to the Curran family and staff, to the comfort of its rooms and public areas, to the excellence of its breakfast (including that dining room with a stunning view), and to its location, Greenmount is well worth seeking out. 

Just don’t leave it until the last minute, as the house on John Street, opened to guests by the Currans in 1977, has quite a reputation and is very popular indeed. Peaceful, quiet and with the cosy comforts of a traditional B&B room with all the necessary modern amenities, and including its own ample parking, it’s a pleasure to stay here when visiting the town and the peninsula.

Something sweet to finish
the breakfast? Why not?

It is just a few minutes walk to the area where you’ll find most of the restaurants (including the famous Doyle’s and Fenton’s), and cafés. A few minutes more, you’ll be on the Marina with even more choices. A new favourite is the Humble Fishmonger, just beyond the Marina parking but still just a 20-minute walk from Greenmount or a short taxi ride. If you bring the car downtown, you’ll have plenty of parking at the marina and indeed at the venue itself.

Greenmount is well placed for visits to the peninsula’s top attractions. For instance, the Dingle Distillery is just a 7-minute drive away, the Aquarium (5), Ventry (13), Slea Head (28), Blasket Heritage Centre (29), Dunquin (23), Clocher (23), Louis Mulcahy (24), Ballyferriter (17), West Kerry Brewery (15), Castlegregory (32 via Conor Pass and 40 via Annascaul) and Tralee (52).

Our room was very comfortable indeed, with a superb bed, armchairs, and complete with all the mod cons (including charging points for phones), flat screen TV and a mini-fridge. Wireless High Speed Internet Access is complimentary in all the rooms and the hotel’s public areas. Chocolates and truffles keep appearing (well, they kept disappearing!) The bathroom, with a bath and superb shower is equally well equipped.

Just down the road from Greenmount.

You can make your way to the luxurious public areas at any time, perhaps to read a book, play a board game or simply to relax. Here, the coffee is always on, and there is also a wine bar (bottled beer available) that may be availed before strolling into town for dinner or for having a nightcap when you return. 

For more on this fabulous guesthouse, see https://www.greenmounthouse.ie/

Also on this trip:

The Humble Fishmonger

Dingle on a Sunny Saturday

Blas na hEireann winners 2026

Fenton's Restaurant Dingle

Greenmount House

Exploring "Terroirs Project" with Le Caveau in Dingle.