Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge - Bagenalstown - Borris.

Three lovely riverside towns in County Carlow: 

Leighlinbridge - Bagnalstown - Borris.

The Barrow flows under the old 9-arch bridge and past the ruined Black Castle in Leighlinbridge.

The old Norton maltings in Bagenalstown that may yet get a new lease of life.

A walk into history on the banks of The Barrow

The River Barrowis a link between the three small towns of Leighlinbridge (pop. c 1k), Bagenalstown (2.8k) and Borris (0.7k). The Barrow is one of the Three Sisters and runs through much of County Carlow. 

I don't know how long the trip between the three towns would take you by boat but by road it is just 18 minutes. Linger a while, though, and enjoy the history and sites along the banks.

We were based in Leighlinbridge (at the excellent Lord Bagenal’s Inn) and drove off one afternoon in the direction of Bagenalstown. Like the other places, walks from here go in each direction along the side of the river, each signposted the Barrow Way. You’ll also notice that the town has an outdoor swimming pool on the river bank.

Bagenalstown's outdoor swimming pool (heated )

There are quite a few old malthouses scattered around the area and the first one that we saw was quite close to that swimming pool. It has been idle for a long time, but that could change. A notice on the door (whose paint is peeling) indicates that Walsh Whiskey (a local company) is seeking to restore the quite large building and turn it into a working distillery. That would be a shot in the arm for the town.

The trains may be gone but the 1860 viaduct still stands, all 16 arches!

If you‘d like to get on the river, this is an ideal spot. An Bád Keppel, a community boat, operates from here. More info at www.bagenalstowntripboat.com.

Our next stop was Borris, an excellent base for exploring the nearby mountains. Here, the unmissable spectacular 16-arch railway viaduct is a highlight. It is situated at the lower end of the town, turn left at Kelly’s Steelworks and go past the large school on your left, go under that arch of the viaduct and the car park is about 50 metres away on your left. 

It is relatively easy to walk up to the viaduct via a curving path, which you may shorten by taking a series of concrete steps. You might bring a picnic, as there are a few tables at the far end.

View of the Blackstairs Mountains from the viaduct.
The highest point is Mount Leinster, the one with the transmission mast (look closely or enlarge)

The viaduct once carried the now-defunct Great Southern and Western Railway Line between Bagenalstown and Palace East in Co. Wexford. The line's final action came when a group of enthusiasts made a goodbye trip in 1963, just over a hundred years after the viaduct was first used.

Little Leighlinbridge had more than one malthouse.

Today, the passageway (or road) on top has been paved, and you can safely walk there. Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside, which stretches as far away as Mount Leinster in the Blackstairs Mountains. 

When we had finished our walk, we headed back towards  Leighlinbridge and took a leisurely walk around. By the Valerian Bridge itself, at the side opposite the ruined Black Castle (there's been a castle here since the late 12th century), you’ll find more opportunities to do another stretch of the Barrow Walk. 

Three of the viaduct's 16 arches.

Back then, over the 9-arch bridge, you’ll see where the old Butter Market stood. From here, in the 19th century, butter was conveyed by the river to Waterford for the London and other markets. No small market this, and I’ve seen it claimed as the country’s second-largest (next to Cork). Goods left here also to be sent by river to Carlow, Dublin and intermediate towns.

Enough strolling for the day. Back to the comforts of the Lord Bagenal and a refreshing O’Hara’s Ale in the bar.

Next stop: Baht, the superb Thai restaurant in Carlow town.

Also on this trip

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale.

Final Countdown Begins for the Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink at Naas Racecourse

Gareth Naughton, Head Chef of Neighbourhood, Naas

 Final Countdown Begins for the Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink at Naas Racecourse

              

 

The Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink, brought to you by Into Kildare and supported by Ballymore and Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, is just days away! From September 20th to 22nd, Naas Racecourse in Co. Kildare will come alive with a vibrant celebration of food, drink, live entertainment, and family fun, showcasing County Kildare’s finest culinary offerings.

The weekend forecast looks promising, adding to the excitement as preparations get underway for what is set to be the festival’s largest and most exciting year to date.

 

With over four jam-packed sessions across the weekend, visitors can expect an array of culinary delights. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, street food, or exclusive dining experiences, the Taste of Kildare offers something for everyone. For those looking to indulge, the Kildare Village Premium Garden Lounge VIP ticket offers fast-track entry, all-access to the garden lounge with table service, and panoramic views of the racecourse from the balcony.

 

Kildare’s Best Cuisine awaits. From the Champagne and Oysom Oyster Bar to sushi at Lemongrass Fusion and burgers from Harte’s, visitors will be spoiled for choice. Highlights include dishes such as Crispy Prawn Tempura Futomaki Roll, Cheesy Cheese Burger with Bacon Jam, and Chilli Beef Nachos from The Silken Thomas/Lock 13.

 

Food trucks will also serve up mouth-watering street food, including Mexican-style pulled Cajun chicken tacos from Spraoí. For an exclusive treat, Dubh Restaurant from Newbridge will pop up on Friday and Saturday evenings, offering delights like a baby pizza with pumpkin purée, pickled pumpkin, nduja hot honey, and pumpkin seed dukkah.

 

In the BBQ area, Fallon’s of Kilcullen will roast a pig on a spit all weekend, serving sumptuous pulled pork in Waterford’s famous Blaa with Asian slaw and baby gem lettuce. Pitt Bros will turn up the heat with their Flat Iron Steak on Smoked Ramiro Pepper Salsa and Chimichurri.

 

eir Presents The Talk Stage eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, is the proud sponsor of the Talk Stage, where visitors can learn from top local producers, chefs, and artisans. Hosted by food writers Dee Laffan and Ali Dunworth, the Talk Stage, Powered by eir, will feature insights from producers such as Beara Bitters, Sweet Cheeses, The Nude Wine Company, and Aisling’s Taste of Home.

In addition, eir will present five prestigious awards to participating hotels, restaurants, and producers throughout the weekend, including the ultimate ‘Best in Fest Award’, which will go to the best dish or product at the festival.

“We are so excited to welcome everyone to this year’s Taste of Kildare,” said Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare. “The festival will be an amazing experience with something for everyone—from fabulous food and live music to family fun at the Bord na Móna Family Fun Day. It’s a true celebration of our local food culture and the creativity of our producers.”

 

Calor Chefs' Theatre & Craft Market The Calor Chefs' Theatre will showcase 12 of Ireland’s top chefs demonstrating their culinary prowess through live cooking demonstrations. Visitors will also be treated to masterclasses, elegant afternoon tea, and gourmet dishes from local food trucks.

 

A key highlight of the weekend is the GATHER craft market, featuring products made by local artisans from the LEO Kildare Creative Cluster. Visitors can browse through handmade crafts, boutique goods, and unique Kildare-made products, offering a chance to take home a piece of Kildare’s creativity.

 

The Bord na Móna Family Fun Day on Sunday promises entertainment for kids, making the festival a family-friendly experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees will also enjoy an exciting lineup of live music across all four sessions, including performances by Superfly, Smash Hits, Rodeo Cats Line Dancing, Newbridge Gospel Choir and Bingo Loco.

Supporting Shine Mental Health Charity this year, the festival is proud to support Shine, a Kildare-headquartered mental health charity. Shine has been supporting individuals affected by mental illness for over 40 years. Their volunteers will be present, giving out Green Ribbons to support the national stigma reduction program.

 

Tickets are now on sale at www.tasteofkildare.ie/tickets, with general admission starting from €15. Bundle tickets, priced from €32 per person, offer admission and two signature dishes from participating restaurants for one session. Group, VIP, and corporate bookings are also available, with a special BBQ session on Friday night. Free parking is available on-site, with a shuttle service running from Naas town centre.

To stay updated on the latest announcements and event schedules, visit www.tasteofkildare.ie or follow @tasteofkildare on social media.

Enjoy The Lifestyle Experience at Arboretum's Flagship Store In Carlow

Escape the Ordinary: 

A Day at Arboretum, Carlow

The first thing that caught my eye was the colourful urinals in the venue’s toilets! San Francisco artist  Clark Sorenson was commissioned to design the sanitary ware with a floral theme. He got it spot-on as will most, if not all, of the male visitors! 

Craving a Refreshing Oasis? Look no further than Arboretum in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow! This haven for all things green and delicious is the perfect escape from the ordinary.

Fuel Your Adventure at Rachel's Café

After your scenic (and perhaps rainy) drive, recharge at Rachel's Café, a champion of seasonal, homemade goodness. From breakfast to late lunch, Rachel's offers a symphony of flavours, all made with love right on-site. With a choice of healthy to hearty, hot to cold, there's something for every palate. Don't forget to leave room for their irresistible homemade sweet treats!

At play in the water (one of the inspirational gardens)

A Garden Center Colossus

While Rachel's (with 600 seats) might be one of Ireland's largest cafes, the true behemoth is the Arboretum Garden Center itself. Prepare to be dazzled by a wonderland of plants, from alpines and rockery wonders to ornamental grasses, climbers, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, Arboretum, with its ten acres, has everything to transform your outdoor (and indoor!) space.

Enjoyed this Tuna sandwich for lunch!

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the horticultural haven, explore the Inspirational Gardens, a delightful outdoor space perfect for a leisurely stroll. Test your navigational skills in the maze or unwind by the children's playground. 

More Than Just a Garden Centre

Arboretum is your one-stop shop for all things lifestyle. Browse their extensive collection of tools, pots, clothing, BBQs, pizza ovens, furniture, kitchenware, and delightful gifts. The plant experts on site are always happy to answer your questions and guide you towards garden success.

A Day Out for Everyone

Whether you're a gardening fanatic, a foodie adventurer, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, Arboretum offers something for everyone. Visit their flagship store in Leighlinbridge, or find them in Kilquade, Co. Wicklow, and Parnell St., Dublin. Don't forget, they also deliver!

Find your happy place at Arboretum!

Website: https://www.arboretum.ie/ 

Locations:

• Leighlinbridge: R93 P8P8
• Kilquade: A63 PR80
• Dublin: D01 C3X8

Also on this Carlow trip: 

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

CORK HOTEL GROUP SHORTLISTED FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD

Press release

Alex Petit

#hotelswinter24

CORK HOTEL GROUP SHORTLISTED 

FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD

Trigon Hotels has been recognised for their Food Charter which aims to reduce waste by 20 percent. The group has been shortlisted by Chambers Ireland in their upcoming Sustainable Business Impact Awards.

The Cork-based group has been acknowledged in the Communication category for their communication of the Sustainable Food Charter. 

The initiative aims to combat food waste and bolster sustainability efforts across the group’s Metropole Hotel and Cork International Hotel.

Trigon’s 2024 Food Charter sets out ten robust commitments aimed at reducing environmental impact while promoting community engagement. 

The project aimed to reduce food waste by 20%, minimise non-organic landfill waste by 15%, and decrease energy consumption in kitchens by 20%. 

The strategy also emphasises support for local suppliers to reduce carbon footprint, a seasonal menu design to reduce waste, and collaboration with charity partners to contribute positively to the local community.

Group Brand and Communications Manager of Trigon Hotels, Sandra Murphy said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted in the Communication category of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards organised by Chambers Ireland. We have put a lot of consideration into our Food Charter. Through this strategy we feel we are not only pioneering sustainable hospitality practices but also inspiring positive change within the industry and fostering a greener future for the hospitality industry.

“We worked hard on the communication around the project by organising meetings and training sessions to educate teams about the goals and commitments in the Food Charter. Our Group Executive Chef, Alex Petit, participated in external communication activities like radio interviews, presentations, and social media campaigns to amplify the message of sustainability to a wider audience. I feel by involving team members in communication efforts, we have developed a sense of ownership and pride among the team and it’s wonderful our communication efforts have been recognised.”

As part of Trigon Hotel’s efforts to boost sustainability, the team volunteered over 400 hours to support the Cope Garden which grows fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs at Cope Foundation.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the hotel teams for the volunteer efforts at Cope Foundation. It exemplifies Trigon Hotel’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond our business operations. I’m very proud of the group.”

At the heart of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards lies the UN Sustainable Development Goals which celebrate sustainable business practices and champions Chambers Ireland’s alignment with the Goals.

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards will take place on Wednesday, 25th September 2024. 

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METROPOLE HOTEL INVITES GUESTS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART OF CORK CITY

 

The Metropole Hotel has launched this year’s Christmas Experience which includes festive treats, a five-course Christmas dinner, movies, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus for the younger guests.

 

All guests will receive a welcome pack along with a mince pie and mulled wine when checking in. They will find a Christmas card and gift, decoration and a festive cookie in their room upon arrival.

 

The celebrations kick off with a three-course meal in the restaurant on Christmas Eve, while people will gather to celebrate together in the recently renovated ballroom to enjoy a five course lunch on Christmas Day. Breakfast will be served every morning, and an evening buffet supper will be available on Christmas Day.

 

The package includes a Christmas cocktail, which will be served in the bar, plus a prosecco reception and a bottle of wine to share with Christmas lunch.

 

There will be a schedule of entertainment throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and guests will be able to watch festive movies in the cinema room or relax in the reading library. 

 

Pierce Lowney, Director of Food and Beverage at Trigon Hotels said: “Christmas is an exciting time at the hotel and our team pulls out all the stops to ensure guests, young and old, have an extra special stay. We see many regular faces during the festive season and we always love to welcome new guests to join the celebrations. Whether it's a family or a person on their own, we try to make sure everyone has a memorable Christmas when they walk through the door of the Metropole Hotel.”

 

The hotel will close to the public, except for residential guests, at 3pm on Christmas Eve and reopen at 12pm on December 27th.

 

There are two and three-night Christmas Experience packages available and prices start from €890 per stay. Single occupancy and triple occupancy packages are available and guests can avail of parking for the duration of their stay.

 

Bookings can be made at https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/offer/christmas-2-night-stay/

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AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…….

Strand Christmas Launch 2024. Pic. Brian Arthur

 

THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL LAUNCH CHRISTMAS 2024 PROGRAMME

 

On Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, Santa visited The Limerick Strand Hotel to launch their 2024 Christmas Party and Festive Programme. With only 18 Saturdays left before Christmas Day, it’s time to start planning your seasonal gatherings, parties, and entertainment.

The 4-star Limerick Strand Hotel has a stellar reputation as the best place in the city to enjoy the run-up to the festive season. Santa was thrilled to present the team with their well-deserved Oscar for winning the "cracker of a night" category and took a tour of the impressively revamped Shannon Suite.

Now is the time to plan the ultimate Christmas Party Night for your colleagues. The Limerick Strand offers a variety of options for all group sizes, from intimate gatherings to big glitzy and glamorous galas! Maria O’Gorman Skelly, Director of Sales & Marketing, said, “This year our Christmas party night guests will enjoy our newly refurbished Shannon Suite after its fabulous €200K refresh.  Today marks the official countdown to Christmas and we want to stress the importance of organising and securing your preferred dates as we are already almost sold out for two nights, so we are urging people to book now to avoid disappointment.”

Christmas Party nights will run on November 29th & 30th and December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 20^th and as always, the exhilarating entertainment programme directed by the charismatic James Sexton & Hiya Events.  The jolly affair begins with a mulled wine reception, entertainment from Carol singers, an amazing 4-course dinner, a Santa meet and greet quiz with spot prizes and Christmas novelties, and live music from the 1710 Band and Singalong with Mrs Clause. There will also be a late bar and Disco with DJ, Adam Sexton spinning tunes until 2 am. Party nights cost €89 per person and overnight accommodation rates from €95 per person sharing, and those responsible for group bookings of 30 guests or more can avail of a complimentary voucher for dinner for two in the River Bar & Restaurant.

The Limerick Strand also offers a popular Residential 2-night Christmas experience, with packages starting from €535 per adult sharing. Non-residents are welcome to dine and celebrate throughout December, including special party nights, festive Sunday Lunches, and Afternoon Teas. Additionally, locals can enjoy the famously festive Christmas Eve Luncheon offerings with a choice of buffet lunch, selection box for each child, a meet and greet with Santa, music by crooner Liam O’Brien and family entertainment from €55 per adult, €25 per child or a select menu (€42 per person) in The River Bar & Restaurant. On Christmas Day, there is a festive dining package (€175 per adult, child 5-12 yrs €70, with under 5 dining free of charge excludes Santa gift) complete with live music by crooner Liam O’Brien and singer Jayne Frazer plus a gift for each child. Advanced booking and pre-payment are required.

For details on Christmas 2024 at The Limerick Strand Hotel Christmas To make a reservation call 061 421800 or Christmas@strandlimerick.ie  visit www.strandlimerick.ie.

A Very Highly Recommended Reserva Double from Portugal's Vale De Lobos

A Very Highly Recommended Reserva Double from Portugal's Vale De Lobos 

Vale De Lobos Touriga Nacional Reserva Tejo 2021, 13.5% ABV.

€20.00 (on offer 16) Matson's Bandon, Grange and Youghal

“a round, persistent and balanced wine”

The colour of this 100% Touriga Nacional from Portugal’s Tejo, is a dense ruby. Aromas are complex (plum and blueberry) and the intense violet (typical of the variety) heading the posse.  And they remain through the palate where you will most definitely note spices and vanilla (it has spent 8 months ageing in French oak barrels).

A round, persistent and balanced wine with a long finish, it is proposed as perfect for matching grilled or roasted red meat (such as the prize-winning thick-cut steaks from James Whelan Butcher (https://www.corkbilly.com/2024/08/james-whelan-butchers-win-coveted-3.html ). Serve at 18 degrees. It is Very Highly Recommended and is just one of a selection of well-priced wines from the “small family-run farm” imported by Matson’s.

Touriga Nacional, previously and still very much associated with Port wine, is now increasingly popular in single-varietal red wines and blends from the Duoro Valley and beyond, says Wine Folly. 

This excellent example is made by Quinta da Ribeirinha, a small family-run farm, which is located in Póvoa de Santarém and is dedicated to the production of Wines, Olive Oil and Jams. The winemaker is Cesar Machado.

The Tejo region in central Portugal, just northeast of Lisbon, is split by the longest river on the peninsula, the Tejo (known to Irish secondary school students in the 60s as the Tagus). Tejo is often overshadowed by the larger Alentjo further to the south.

Vale De Lobos Vinho Tinto Reserva Vinho Regional Tejo 2019, 14.0%% ABV.

at Matsons Bandon, Grange, Youghal.

A compelling wine

“Foot Trodden” is the name of a 2021 published book, a pretty good one, on Portuguese wine. Not a nostalgic work, but quite up to date as you see from the story of this Very Highly Recommended wine from the Valley of the Wolves.

Elegant and balanced, our well-structured Reserva is produced from hand-picked grapes, is fermented with selected yeasts at a temperature of 28ºC, in stainless steel vats, with foot treading for four days. Four days? That must be some party! After malolactic fermentation, it is aged for 8 months in French and American oak barrels.

Ruby is the colour here. It is a compelling wine, intense in the mouth, with scents of black fruits, and some sweet spice...and there’s quite a pleasing finish. Pair this excellent blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aragonez with Grilled red meats, Pot roast, Game meat, Stews, and Roasts. Serve at 16-18 degrees.

It is another of the Quinta da Ribeirinha wines from the Tejo imported this year by Matson’s. It is certainly one of the best and indeed may well be the best of those I have tasted so far. 

Cherish a unique, special, and unrepeatable wine. Tio Pepe Fino En Rama.

Tio Pepe Fino En Rama Jerez (DO Sherry)

€25.00 Bradleys

Cherish a unique, special, and unrepeatable wine.

Our Fino En Rama, from the sherry triangle, comes in an inviting golden colour. Notes of yeast in the aromas. And immediately it hits the palate - captivating, fresh, intense, smooth and with a creamy mouthfeel - you know you have made a friend.

Yeah, just like that, almost without thinking. Because sometimes, enjoying a wine is much easier than what “they try to explain to us”.  A wine, like this, can connect with you. This is the closest you'll ever get to drinking sherry straight from the cask.

Your new amigo is the ultimate expression of organic ageing; it is unfiltered and unclarified Tío Pepe, extracted directly from the centre of the cask in spring, when the “flower”  (flor) growth is at its thickest. Due to the uniqueness of the product, it is produced in very small quantities and is recommended for consumption within the first three months after bottling.

One reason why it is so special is that just 95 casks (from a possible 20,000) were finally selected to contribute to the current blend. Their Constancia and Rebollo soleras were thoroughly searched and sampled as the winemaker looked for the unique personality that makes this 15th edition of Tio Pepe en Rama the “elixir of our winery”.

Geek Bits

Tio means uncle and Uncle Pepe is a brand of González Byass.

Pair with fish, seafood (especially a shrimp tartare), vegetables, spicy cuisines and various rice dishes

Always serve chilled and refrigerate after opening.

En Rama is the term used in the bodegas for sherry in its raw, most delicate state.

Even in the bottle, it continues to evolve every year, concentrating its aromas and nuances.

Flor is a film of yeast on the surface of sherry. See more here.