September Morning on Corrin Hill

 September Morning on Corrin Hill

Walkies on Corrin Hill
between Rathcormac and Fermoy, just off the R639.

In the cocoon: replacements

Aside from a robin greeting us at the entrance to the wood, we didn't
see or hear another bird during the one hour walk. No rabbits either,
none of the usual signs. Beginning to think there was no wildlife
here at all when, all of a sudden, three deer briefly appeared on the track.
about 300 yards ahead, too far away to get a decent photo, and they
didn't hang around in any case!

A Red and White Wine Double from Italy's Heel.

A Red and White Wine Double

 from Italy's Heel.

Antica Enotria Bianco Puglia (IGT) 2018, 12.5% 

€14.45 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

This light-straw coloured blend of Falanghina and Fiano comes from the organic vineyards of Raffaele di Tuccio in Puglia in the south east of Italy (the “heel of the boot”). Aromas, floral and pear, are rather delicate. The fruit though is somewhat more assertive on the palate, a crisp and refreshing acidity also features as does a streak of minerality before a reasonably persistent finish. Quite a light and elegant blend, very acceptable as an aperitif and with garden salads and good with fish too. Highly Recommended. Chill it just a little but don’t overdo it.

So what kind of grapes are Falanghina and Fiano, you might well ask. They may not be well-known outside of Italy (mainly in Campania). But, believe it or not, Grapes and Wines say Falanghina “is now one of Italy’s new star white grapes” while Fiano is an “interesting, high-quality and very fashionable southern Italian grape responsible fro Campania’s aromatic Fiano di Avellino…”. Indeed, that particular Fiano is a DOCG wine, the top Italian designation. Sounds like a pair of grapes we need to keep in mind!

By the way, the Roman name for Campania (on the opposite side of Italy to Puglia) was Campania Felix, felix meaning happy. One of the reasons was that much of their favourite Falernian wine was produced here!

Le Caveau tell us that Raffaele di Tuccio bought this run-down farmhouse, dating back to the 1700’s, in 1985 and over the past 30 years has worked tirelessly with his wife, Antonia, and son, Luigi, to bring the property back to life. The vineyards are influenced by the cooling Tramontana wind from the north, and the warming Scirocco wind from the south, giving ideal conditions for their dedication to organic viticulture and lending crispness and depth to the wines.

Natalino del Prete “Il Pioniere” Salentino (IGP) 2017, 15%

 €21.85, 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Negroamaro can be slightly “farmyardy” in flavour, according to Grapes and Wines. But they go on to say that it can be easier to appreciate if blended with a little of the far more scented, succulent Malvasia Nera (15%), as is the case here.

Colour is a solid dark red. The nose opens on clear and deep notes of overripe red and darker fruit. And that fruit is also found in the flavours on the palate, a warm welcoming wine with a persistent finish. A genuine wine of substance, pleasant with excellent drinkability. VHR

Le Caveau tells us Natalino Del Prete, organic since 1994, is a traditional grower of Southern Puglia. They also say: The Pioniere is fantastic: 70-80+ old vines of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera,… a total bargain for the quality and the story behind. Super structured but super light to drink, full of sweet spices and charm. 

The wine from the warm lands of Salentino is, as you might expect, particularly suitable to accompany typical dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine. Serve at 16/18 ° C with Aged cheeses, White meat main courses, Red meat main courses. The impurities located in the bottom of the bottle, and I did find a few “grains”, merely serve to confirm the genuineness of the product.

#drinkresponsibly 

Taste of the Week. Salted Caramelitas by Sonas

Taste of the Week
Salted Caramelitas by Sonas 

I never know for sure what I'll find when I start shopping online at Neighbourfood. But always pretty sure that I'll have at least one taste of the week to write about.

These delicious Caramelitas, produced by Sonad Trading, have been catching the attention recently and are definitely Taste of the Week.

They sell them well on the Neighbourfood order sheet: We love the juxtaposition of salty and sweet ... and these little love bombs of deliciousness have a great balance - loads of salted caramel (made with Gloun Cross Dairy cream and Irish Atlantic Sea salt), dark chocolate, buttery organic oats, tones of vanilla ... Incredibly intense but deeply satisfying ... like an old familiar love song. 10-12 little bites in a box. They’re intense but very addictive! Do not contain nuts but made in a kitchen where nuts are used. 


Local and lovely. Couldn't have put it better myself. Go on. Treat yourself. I find them superb with the mid-morning coffee.

Blackrock based Sonas Trading is a unique mix of Irish and Malaysian. Pia Zain came from Malaysia, and was trained at Ballymaloe. She instantly fell in love with quality of food and ingredients in Ireland, and stayed! More info on Pia and her many delights here.

Amuse Bouche

 

.. the unsurpassed ingenuity of Chinese cooks in making delicious dishes out of everything under heaven, all the plants.., all the creatures, all their parts. These are legacies of scarcity. Yet truly great cuisine, food as high art, did not arise here; it arose from wealth. It was the province and the passion of the elite. Throughout history, gourmets and chefs tended to reach their heights in conditions of plenty, not need.

from The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones (2007). Very Highly Recommended.

AUTUMN DAZE AT THE FIVE STAR LYRATH ESTATE

AUTUMN DAZE AT THE FIVE STAR LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY (IRELAND)

 

 

The Five-Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has created the Autumn Daze package (for those seeking a bit of luxury and pampering this autumn (Midweek from €185pps sharing). This seasonal offer includes two nights bed and breakfast and a three course Table d'hote dinner on one evening in either the 2 AA Rosette accredited Yew Restaurant or in The Grill & Bar Restaurant. The Autumn Daze package also includes cream tea on one afternoon of your choosing.

 

Lyrath Estate is set on 170 acres of mature parkland yet is just five minutes from Kilkenny city centre.  This stunning hotel is surrounded by wonderful private walkways which are lined by mature trees.  Autumn brings a riot of colour to this beautiful estate as great oaks, beech and silver birch trees cover the grounds, arms outstretched creating walkways of gold, silver and flaming red under their boughs.  Guests can lose themselves in nature here and can explore the vast estate on foot or can avail of complimentary use of bicycles to tour around.

 

Kilkenny city will satisfy even the most ‘culturally curious’ with lots of interesting places to visit including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral which was built between 1202 and 1285.   Tours of Kilkenny Castle are available all year round and offer visitors a remarkable insight into what life might have been like for those first residents who built the castle some 800 years ago.

 

If you do not feel like moving outside the door of the hotel, then fear not there are lots of lovely experiences to enjoy at Lyrath Estate!  You could opt for a pampering treat at the multi award-winning Oasis Spa. The thermal suite in the spa includes several heating and cooling experiences including a stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool which looks over the mature, private gardens. Or perhaps you might prefer to work out in the gym or enjoy a leisurely swim in the health club?  There is also a 22-seater private cinema, playground, outdoor covered and heated BBQ area, expansive conference centre, several meeting rooms, and a walled garden.

Extensive dining options for guests to choose from include Tupper’s Bar, The Conservatory, The Grill & Bar and the 2 AA Rosette, Yew Restaurant. For more information see www.lyrath.com or call 00353 (0) 56 7760088.

press release

Treat Yourself To The Limerick Strand Hotel Seasonal Offers

 “FALL” INTO YOU

Re-discover the simple pleasures this autumn

Limerick Strand Hotel Seasonal Offers

 

 

From the joy of spending quality time with a loved one, to having someone fix you a drink, cook you a meal and make your bed, there’s so much more to an autumn break than even before.

All of us need a break for sure, and with some great savings this autumn at award winning Limerick Strand Hotel you are guaranteed to grab a bargain as they launch there their autumn/winter offers online.

This summer their “Explore a Little More” package proved very popular indeed so they have decided to extend this offer but now offering 50% off a second night stay. Room only rates from € 115 per room per night.

Friday Night “Fall” Food Feast package will certainly appeal to those looking for a distinctive local flavour! Stay overnight with a cooked to order breakfast, glass of Prosecco before dinner and if you choose to stay on a Friday night, resident Crooner, Liam O’Brien will raise the spirits before enjoying your 3 course Fall Feast in the AA Rosette Terrace Bar & Restaurant.  Limerick reared Executive Chef, Tom Flavin who has a passion for Irish produce and traceability, has created this special menu.   With this in mind, the unique menu incorporates the freshest and finest Irish ingredients, uniquely showcased on a Map of Ireland highlighting provenance and inspired by all things local. Next morning, take a stroll to the infamous Milk Market on Saturday morning after your hearty breakfast, enjoy a tour of Treaty City Brewery and avail of some wonderful discounts for both hair and beauty treatments with 15% off Niall Colgan Hairdressing and 10% off Namaste Skin Clinic & Urban Day Spa.   Guests can also enjoy a late checkout (2pm).   Package from €125 per person sharing to include dinner, glass of bubbles, breakfast and Trinity Brewery tour.  Stay overnight midweek with dinner and breakfast from €100 per person sharing.

For families the “Little Explorers” experience has had a seasonal upgrade and includes fully air-conditioned, recently refurbished spacious family accommodation that has all the essential comforts of home, a cosy sanctuary after a busy day seeing the sights. Enjoy a movie on the 40-inch flat screen TV within the comfort of your room.   Splash around in the 20-metre swimming pool at Energize Health Club. Savour award winning breakfast both mornings for all the family plus children under 12 years can dine for free (main course with every adults main course purchased). Head out on an adventure armed with a complimentary family packed lunch for all the grumbling tummies to enjoy al fresco whilst you explore the hot spots on a day of choice. Younger guests will enjoy a welcome amenity in their room on arrival including a colouring pack. Families will also enjoy a late checkout (2pm) so the kids can have a final splash about before heading home. The family room package from: €159 per night for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years of age STAY FREE for a two-night experience.

Limerick Strand is an ideal base for those looking to explore the undiscovered treasures of the Shannon and Limerick City including the incredible St. John’s Castle, a mere stroll from the hotel.    With many local attractions offering amazing discounts to hotel guests of the Strand- from kayaking on the Shannon to river cruising in Killaloe to museum and cultural hot spot visits, you will return home refreshed, energized and pleasantly surprised by Limerick and environs.  Limerick is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, but not as congested as Ireland’s other major routes and cities so getting around is easy to navigate and you will definitely discover an isolated beach or two on your travels so you are free to roam mask-free for an hour or two.  After your day exploring, you will return to the safety of the Strand, where you can enjoy the best Limerick has to offer from the warm hospitality that permeates through each team member to the delicious food, locally sourced by Executive Chef, Tom Flavin.

Limerick Strand offers a complimentary range of walking, running and cycling map routes for hotel guests and are happy to provide suggested driving itineraries if guests fancy venturing a little further for a day trip as Limerick is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.

To make a reservation call 061 421800 or hello@strandlimerick.ie for more details please visit www.strandlimerick.ie.

Press release

The show must go on! Blas na hÉireann 2020 finalists announced

Show goes on! Blas na hÉireann 2020 finalists announced 

Forty Four producers shortlisted from Co. Cork

 

 

The team at Blas na hÉireann have been working tirelessly since March to ensure that Blas 2020 goes ahead, maintaining their commitment to celebrating the very best in Irish food and drink. Chairperson, Artie Clifford feels that now, more than ever it is essential to shine a spotlight and give that all important clap on the back to the talented producers dotted around the island.

   

Faced with the restrictions around college campuses still being in place and under the watchful eye of the academic director Professor Joe Kerry of UCC, the Blas judging relocated to Dingle in July, ensuring the judging was handled with the same care and attention as always.

 

The finalists shortlisted from Cork across a range of different categories are Baked 4 U, Bandon Vale, Bó Rua Farm, Caherbeg Free Range Pork Ltd., Centra - Inspired by Centra Made in store Salads, Clona Dairy Products Ltd, Coolmore Foods, Fitzgerald’s Butchers, Follain, Fresh Fish Deli, Glenilen Farm, Gloun Cross Dairy, Hanley’s Puddings Ltd, Hodgin’s Sausages, Irish Yogurts, JDS Foods, Joe's Farm Crisps, Keohane Seafoods, Kepak, Kinsale Mead Co., Longueville House Beverages, Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products Ltd., Maher’s Coffee & Co Ltd., Nohoval Drinks Co.Ltd/Stonewell Cider, North Cork Creameries, Ó Crualaoi Feoil Teo,  O`Keeffe`s Bakery, O'Herlihy’s Bacon Ltd., On The Pigs Back (La charcuterie Irlandaise Ltd), Praline Pastry Ltd., Rebel Chilli, Saturday Pizzas, Shellfish Ireland, Silver Pail Dairy, Skeaghanore West Cork farm, Spice O Life Ltd., St Patrick's Distillery Ltd., Susan's Sweet Sensations, Tex-Mex Addict, The English Market, The Good Fish Company, Trace Of Cakes, Velo Coffee Roasters and West Cork Eggs Ltd.

 

Sandra (left) and Meghan from Joe's Farm Crisps.

After the initial first round of judging, the top scoring products from a number of categories went through a second round of tasting, both in Dingle and at satellite venues across the country. In conjunction with UCC these results were studied and the findings showed that the results based on two entirely separate panels returned the exact same rankings.

 

Therefore, these results will be used to determine the winners of Blas na hÉireann 2020 as the difficult decision has been made to cancel the weekend of events in Dingle in October. The annual gathering that takes place each year is an important part of the Blas experience and the team are working hard to move as many events to a virtual format as is possible.

 

Due to the success of the digital Backyard in April, and the fact that the Backyard has become a very important aspect of the Blas weekend, there will be a series of Backyard panels online this year. An exciting and informative programme that reflects the times we are living in and the specific challenges producers and buyers are facing is currently being scheduled.  

The awards will be announced over the course of the day on October 3^rd on the Blas website and across social media channels and while the team will miss gathering collectively to cheer on colleagues and friends, they will make up for it by ensuring that #Blas2020 trends all day!

Two Well Recommended Red Wines. An Old Roots Cinsault from Chile and a GSM from Minervois.

Three Well Recommended Wines. Eight Grape Varieties 

Montes “Outer Limits” Cinsault 2017 DO Valle del Itata Chile, 13.5%, 

€24.99 Baggot Street Wines, Blackrock Cellar, The Corkscrew, Wineonline.ie, Ely Wine Store (Maynooth).

This juicy vibrant Cinsault has a bright mid-ruby colour. Ripe red and darker berries in the aromas, just a hint of the time in oak, floral notes too. Bright fruit again prominent but acidity too in a harmonious palate, a decent wash of spice, and quite a pleasant mouthfeel too. Plus a persistent finish. This blend - there is 15% Mourvedre there also - is Very Highly Recommended.

Food pairings suggested include: Rabbit stew, slow-cooked legumes such as lentils, and very juicy cuts of red meat and game are ideal with this great wine. Serve at 12º to 14ºC (53º-57ºF).

This southern French variety has been planted in southern Chile for well over 100 years, but has only recently been making wines as good as this juicy, peppery and wonderfully vibrant red, quite a few of the better examples coming from Itata.

This ‘Old Roots’ Cinsault is made from dry-farmed, head-trained vines grown in the Itata Valley, where the first grape varieties were planted in Chile 500 years ago.

Aurelio Montes has been regularly lauded as one of the pioneers of top class Chilean wine. Wines of South America: “It's hard to express in a paragraph the extent of Aurelio’s impact on modern Chilean wine. Rightly recognised as Chile’s patriarch of quality wine-making…”

He is always pushing the boundaries as he said in a recent Zoom masterclass. “If you don’t go to the limit, you won’t know what you can achieve.” Aurelio says he is always seeking quality through innovation, never afraid to employ new technology. See more of this maestro’s masterclass here. 

Domaine Luc Lapeyre “L’Amourier" Minervois (AOC) 2018, 13%, €16.15 Wines Direct

Dark and deeply so. Aromas too speak of dark fruits, rich purple plums and intense red cherries, a hint or two of the wild garrigue, a touch of liquorice. And the fruit-driven palate is no less intense, though the flavours now reflect a softer alliance of berries, soft tannins too, all wrapped in a fresh and attractive juiciness. Open my collar, the better to enjoy this complex harmony. I could be here for a while with my new and Very Highly Recommended ami. 

“ Lapeyre has an unmistakable gift for creating wines that are intriguing, charming, elegant and refreshing.” I cannot argue with that in the face of this excellent blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Wines Direct say it pairs well with Pork and Poultry, Hearty Roots, Game plus Beef and Lamb. Reckon it could also handle spicy meals.

Distinguished Guest List as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off

Distinguished Guest List

 as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off 

Wine of the Month

Supervalu Wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan has an inviting line-up of guest wines available for their French Wine Sale (from 3rd to 23rd September).  Something from all regions of the country, from Alsace to Cahors, red, white, rosé and sparkling, from big names like Meursault to lesser known appellations such as Coteaux de Béziers.

In curating the wines for the French Wine Sale, Kevin has introduced these 10 Special Guest Wines for a limited run in the sale. “I am delighted to reveal the line-up for the SuperValu French Wine Sale, and especially to introduce 10 amazing Special Guest Wines which will be joining our range for this limited time.  Our sale includes wines for all tastes and all budgets, we hope our customers enjoy discovering these new and exciting wines.” As usual, there are of course many more than just the 10 guests wines on offer.

We’ll take a closer look here at one red and one white and, next week, it will be the turn of the sparkling  Simonnet-Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne (looking forward to that) along with a few more of the guests. Note that the Special Guest Wines will be available for a limited time during the French Wine Sale.

Georges Vigouroux “Pigmentum” Malbec Cahors (AOP) 2018, 13%, €9.84 (14.75)

Let us start with this Malbec from Cahors, the Supervalu Wine of the Month. A striking purple; twirl it in a big glass and see that remarkable hue. An intense aroma of red and darker berries, some floral notes notes too. Smooth restrained palate with much the same fruits in the flavours, tannins close to smooth. And a decent mid-length finish.

Makes for a very acceptable aperitif and recommended food pairings are: everyday meals as well as more elaborate dishes such as roast pork, leg of lamb, duck, beef tagine, cannelloni, chicken curry, and vol au vent.

Supervalu’s Kevin is a fan: “A wine that is sure to provide pleasure with its beautiful red colour with a bouquet of summer flowers as well as powerful red and black fruit flavours. 100% Malbec selected from the highest and best gravely and clay terraces of the Cahors Appellation, situated near the Lot River, in the Southwest of France.”

In recent decades, mention Malbec and people think Argentina. But Malbec was the star in Cahors, long before the South Americans exploited the variety. The new challenge made the French sit up and bring about improvements in their own Malbec. 

Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Réserve Vin d’Alsace (AC) 2019, 13%, €11.80 (18.68).

Perhaps you prefer a white wine? Pinot Blanc may not be the best known member of the family that also includes Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, but it makes excellent wines in Germany, Austria, Northern Italy and here in Alsace (where it is used in production of still, sparkling and sweet dessert wines).

This one, a "Guest" wine, has a pale gold/yellow colour, the merest hint of green. Quite an intense nose, fresh blossoms and white fruits. Superb mouthfeel with citrus prominent, leading the fruit-forward attack. Smooth and subtle with a dry and elegant finish. 

The label describes it as subtle and nervous. Wouldn’t disagree. Quite a well-rounded, well-balanced wine from an under-rated grape. Very food friendly, according to the makers who suggest it pairs well with all kind of simple dishes of fish, white meat, poultry, and egg based dishes (quiches, pies etc).

Just one page of the booklet - pick one up in store.

The Guests

The Special Guest Wines that will be available in SuperValu for a limited time during the French Wine Sale are:

George Duboeuf Moulin-à-Vent €11.80 (18.68);
La Perriere Mégalithe Sancerre €21.64 (€31.48);
Domaine Laffitte Sauvignon Blanc Reserve €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Rosé €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Cabernet-Franc Malbec €7.87 (11.80)
Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne €24.59 (€29.50);
Meursault Blanc Louis Latour €39.95 (€68.85);
Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Reserve €11.80(€18.68);
Hommage du Rhone Vinsobres €11.80 (€15.73);
Alma Cersius Coteaux de Béziers €9.84 (€14.75).

Your Autumn Retreat Awaits. Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Autumn 2020

Your Autumn Retreat Awaits

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Autumn 2020

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway, has just launched its autumn schedule offering luxurious experiences for those looking to escape for a few days as a couple, family or with friends.

From sunrise to sunset, guests are free to roam the 138-acre estate, boasting incredible vistas of the rolling countryside and Lough Corrib. Escape to the warm embrace of the 5* Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate this autumn and linger a little longer and stay three or four nights when booking the Golden Escapes experience. The packages offers Cream Tea on arrival, fine dining experience in the Restaurant on an evening of choice, relaxed dinner in the Oak Cellar Lounge on another evening, Private Cinema experience each night in the Abbey Theatre. Guests can also avail of a complimentary map of the estate for some leisurely strolls or jump on an estate bike and cycle the routes. Three night experience costs €295 per night and a four night experience from €285 per night.

For those looking to escape this mid-term why not avail of the Trick or Treat Family Break from €730 for a 2 night stay for 2 adults & 2 children under 12 years in a Classic Family Room overlooking the Estate at Glenlo Abbey Hotel, with a relaxing breakfast each morning, three course family dinner in the Oak Cellar Lounge on one evening and enjoy a Spooktacular Afternoon Tea consisting of all the Glenlo favourites – homemade scones with preserves and clotted cream, savoury wraps and dainty sandwiches served with a selection of creepy treats.

This summer Glenlo’s packages proved very popular indeed so the team has decided to extend these offers throughout autumn, some with additional extras including; The Afternoon Delight experience with Afternoon Tea for two created by Executive Chef Dominique Majecki using the best of ingredients including some freshly grown Estate produce for the savoury selection is also available over the autumn and winter months. The package also offers an a la carte breakfast in the River Room Restaurant and costs from €315 per room per night OR Pullman Package offering luxurious classic air-conditioned bedroom with majestic views of the enchanting 138-acres, enjoy a la carte breakfast each morning in the River Room Restaurant and dine at the 2AA Rosette winning Pullman Restaurant aboard the Orient Express, a unique setting for a gourmet experience not to be missed, combining innovative presentation with local and seasonal ingredients (pre-booking of Pullman dining times required) and this two night stay with one evening dining experience and breakfast costs from €315 per room per night.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway is operating under strict Covid-19 guidelines Covid-19 Policies ensuring the safety of both staff and guests.

Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone on: Tel: Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie

Alternatively visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase gift vouchers online.

press release

Family Mid-term Treat at Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Family Mid-term Treat

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Escape to the luxury of 5* Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa with the family, and with 1,000 acres of the historic Powerscourt Estate for you to explore, there’s no better place to base yourself this Hallowe’en.   

The mid-term Family Fun package includes overnight accommodation in a family room sleeping 4 (2 adults and 2 kids under 12), a trip to Powerscourt Waterfall with a delicious freshly prepared picnic for all the family to savour, a family breakfast served in the newly refurbished Sika Restaurant, overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain plus an array of fun-filled activities and amenities including, splash-time in the Swarovski crystal-lit 20-metre, bike rides about the estate, colouring maps, and mini bathrobes for the VIK (very important kids).

This package includes an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast the following morning, tickets for two adults and two children to Powerscourt Waterfall, and a freshly prepared picnic basket and rates from € 182 per adult sharing (2 adults and 2 kids under 12 yrs sharing).

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa has lots to offer including complimentary bicycles so you are free to explore the Estate at your leisure. ESPA at Powerscourt is currently open to hotel residents and non-residents. The indoor 20 metre Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool is also yours to use plus the fully equipped gym (Guests will be asked to self-regulate social distancing on gym equipment and while the facility will be regularly cleaned and sanitised, guests will be required to disinfect gym equipment before and after use) and above all the wonderful array of outdoor pursuits on the doorstep.   If it is an adventure break you are looking for, the hotel can organise mountain climbs, escorted walks or more strenuous activities including abseiling and mountain biking. 

Located just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, Powerscourt offers the most stunning vistas of “The Garden of Ireland” with scenic river walks, quaint villages and luxurious surroundings to explore at leisure. With acres of "free to roam" walking trails surrounded by Wicklow’s wonderful landscapes and wilderness, more top class golf courses than you can shake a putter at, miles of nearby golden beaches and a choice of dining and entertainment options second to none, there are few places elsewhere on this earth that can offer the visitor such a wonderful choice within such an intimate, hospitable and secure location.    Enniskerry is packed with interesting things to do and see. The town itself is brimming with great restaurants, fabulous shops and old-town atmosphere.

With a choice of dining options from casual dining in the Sugar Loaf Lounge where Afternoon Tea reigns supreme to fine dining at the recently refurbished Sika Restaurant both offering breathtaking scenery and amiable service.  McGill’s Pub is now open as a dining option for hotel residents.

press release

O'Briens Irish Whiskey Sale. Wines Direct go French. Waterford Eyes USA. Plea to help Lebanon winemakers. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #19

O'Briens Irish Whiskey Sale. Wines Direct go French. Waterford Eyes USA. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #19

O'Briens September Irish Whiskey Sale has begun! There are some superb whiskeys on offer and to help you choose we have picked out the must try whiskeys with something to suit each budget. These are the whiskeys that should be on every whiskey aficionado’s list.

This 12 Year Old Redbreast is just one of those reduced.

More details here

The French Harvest Sale!

with Wines Direct

To mark the start of the annual French Harvest we would like to give you up to 15% off on over 60 of our favourite French wines—the pièce de résistance is FREE DELIVERY on all orders (6 bottle minimum).

 Take a look at the wines, or if you're finding it hard to choose, check out our French Harvest Mixed Case. Please think of the Mixed Case as our personal recommendation to you. More details here

Waterford heading to USA

WATERFORD WHISKY IS ON THE WAY TO AMERICA

Many of our friends Stateside have been waiting very, very patiently for Waterford Whisky to become available. That long wait is almost over. Arriving at the beginning of October will be three totally unique Single Farm Origins, and available from the middle of October will be Organic: Gaia 1.1, Ireland's first organically certified whisky. Read more here

Why Lebanon, its people & wines deserve our help So it may seem tactless to write about Lebanon’s wine industry while it absorbs the full impact, literally and existentially, of its very own 9/11. But in a nation that actually produces very little else – pace the cannabis sector – wine stands out as its most high-profile export. Alongside its magnificent cuisine, and arak, the national drink, akin to, but better than, pastis, it captures Lebanon’s vitality, warmth and generosity of spirit. More from Michael Karam here