STEPPING INTO SPRING AT LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY. So much to see and do!

STEPPING INTO SPRING AT LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY.

So much to see and do!

Lyrath Estate, on the doorstep of the medieval city of Kilkenny, is a fitting destination to put a spring in your step!  Located just five minutes from the centre of Kilkenny City yet set on 170 acres of mature parkland complete with picturesque lakes, woodland trails and historic gardens. It’s hard to believe when surrounded by nature that the estate is so accessible to the city centre and its many cultural and historical attractions.  Now, with the arrival of spring, the estate is coming to life with signs of nature awakening everywhere.

Step into spring at Lyrath Estate with the ‘Stepping Into Spring’ package.  This midweek experience includes two night’s accommodation with breakfast each morning, a delicious 3-course dinner in The Grill restaurant on one evening with a complimentary cream tea on a day of your choice. (From €185 per person sharing midweek).

 

Lyrath Estate is a resort style property, independently owned hotel, which has been extensively refurbished over the years.  At its heart is a charming 17th century Manor House which has been sympathetically restored and now sits comfortably alongside a contemporary hotel housing 141 bedrooms.

The property includes two restaurants, Yew which serves classic modern Irish and European cuisine, The Grill and Bar which is a casual, bistro style dining experience with a strong emphasis on steaks, gourmet burgers, delicious lobster fresh from the tank and a wonderful selection of cocktails. There is also Tupper’s Bar, a traditional style, cosy bar, and The Conservatory which serves lunch and informal food in the evening. The newest addition is Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Room – an elegant room in the Manor House, where delightful afternoon tea is served.  The décor here is inspired by the botanicals of the estate and has an eclectic and stylish design.

If you wish to enjoy some pampering, be sure to visit Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate which incorporates several treatment rooms, offering face and body treatments for both men and women.  The thermal suite in the spa includes various heating and cooling experiences and a stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool with views over the mature, private gardens. On the estate, residents can enjoy walking amidst the private grounds, cycling on the verdant hidden trails or a host of outdoor pursuits including archery and falconry at the onsite Hawkeye School of Falconry where all kinds of birds of prey can be found including owls, hawks and even eagles.

Kilkenny City itself offers lots of local attractions for the explorer such as the Kilkenny Castle, Park & Gardens, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Butler Gallery, or you could step out on Ireland’s Medieval Mile and discover the rich history of Kilkenny. For more information on spring offers contact Lyrath Estate on (056) 7760088 or visit www.lyrath.com

 

 

Top 10 Things to do this Spring in Kilkenny

1.   Hawkeye School of Falconry at Lyrath Estate

 

Meet John & Caroline, Lyrath Estate Falconers, and owners of the Hawkeye School of Falconry. This small family run centre provides a range of memorable falconry experiences, including Hawk Walks (by appointment only). The Falconry School is situated on the beautiful Lyrath Estate in the historic medieval city of Kilkenny.

2. Kilkenny Castle

Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been rebuilt, extended, and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle.

3. Smithwick’s Experience

Located in the heart of Kilkenny city, Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory experience that immerses the visitor in the history of Ireland's oldest ale. Harvested from the land, seasoned by history, Smithwick’s has been brewed in Ireland since 1710. Visitors can taste the famous Smithwick’s Ale, while one of their guides explains what makes it so unique.

4. St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Chainnigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting).

5. The Medieval Mile Museum

Located on the 13th century site of St. Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland.

6. Jerpoint Park

Immerse yourself in a unique experience of heritage and culture in a very special destination Thomastown in Kilkenny. Unearth the history of Jerpoint Park with a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town.

7. Rothe House and Gardens

A magnificent 17th century Irish merchant's townhouse and garden in the centre of Kilkenny city. The house is open as a museum with artefacts collected by Kilkenny Archaeological Society and feature a splendid garden which has been restored as a 17th century urban garden. Step back in time and see, smell and taste what the Rothe family experienced.

8. Dunmore Caves

Just 15 minutes from Kilkenny, Dunmore Caves are an awesome sight if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path activities in Ireland. The caves once bore witness to a brutal 10th-century Viking massacre and legend claims that up to 1,000 people may have been killed a fact supported by the discovery of human remains and Viking coins.

9.     Kilfane Waterfall and Glen

A pristine example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s.  Untouched for 200 years, it is a picturesque paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths.  Tiny bridges sit among ancient trees, wild foxgloves, ferns, and other historically correct 18^th century planting.

10. Go With the Flow

Go with the Flow is a family business based in Kilkenny providing water-based adventures like white water trips and nature/history tours. All the incredible trails are guided by qualified, experienced, and friendly instructors.

 press release

Mescan beer, aphrodisiac foods and the Lovers Warning

Mescan beer, aphrodisiac foods and the Lovers Warning

You been on the Mescan again?

Good food and St. Valentine’s Day are almost synonymous – the next question is, of course, deciding which drinks complement particular aphrodisiac foods. A quick survey of the Mescan range reveals that the artisan Belgian-style beers are an excellent match for many of them. The Lovers Warning on every Mescan beer bottle is of course tongue-in-cheek, but adds an additional saucy Valentine flavour. (The Lovers Warning reads: “Our beer adds to the desire but may take away from the performance.)

 

Aphrodisiac foods and matching Mescan beers

 

Pistachios
A salty, finger-licking dish of pistachios makes a delicious appetiser accompanied by the nutty caramel tones of Mescan Red Tripel, thirst-quenching Mescan Seven Virtues Lager or creamy, smooth Mescan Extra. The choice is yours.

 

Chocolate
Surely one of everyone’s favourites, chocolate features on almost every Valentine’s menu. Mescan Special Reserve pairs beautifully with good, bitter chocolate while Mescan Baltic Porter with its dark chocolate aromas is ideal with chocolate tart and desserts.

 

Oysters
Probably the most famed aphrodisiac, the saline shellfish is a lovely match for Mescan Baltic Porter. Both Mescan Blond and Mescan Saison complement mussels exceptionally well.

 

Salmon
Staying on the marine theme, perfect pink salmon goes like a dream with creamy, rich Mescan Extra. A starter of smoked salmon with traditional brown bread matches Mescan Baltic Porter well. 

 

Avocados and Asparagus
The clean, crisp flavour of Mescan Blond combines like a dream with salads and veg. It’s very low alcohol at 4.8% compared to wines and like all Mescan beers is made without the use of finings or chemicals.

 

Spicy Chili Peppers
Perhaps a surprising aphrodisiac, chili peppers match the spicy notes from the yeast in Mescan Saison exceptionally well.

 

Figs
The subtle sweetness of figs calls for Mescan Special Reserve, evocative of malty, sun-dried fruits.

 

Passion Fruit
OK, not strictly an aphrodisiac but included because of the name. Mescan Extra is a great pairing for fruits and desserts, especially creamy ones.

 

Cheese isn’t a food which springs to mind when thinking of aphrodisiacs, however it is a fact that  some cheese contains the same chemicals (phenylethylamine) as chocolate, so the smell of them increases levels of dopamine in the brain. Most Mescan beers pair well with cheeses, Red Tripel is probably the most versatile and a good match for nearly all cheese. For blues and the stronger tasting ones, Mescan Special, Mescan Seven Virtues Carnal Knowledge and Mescan Baltic Porter are also excellent pairings.

 

Mescan beer takes its name from the monk Mescan who was St. Patrick’s friend and personal brewer. The stylised Mescan logo is a simple, creative representation of Croagh Patrick and the curved swirl represents the water flowing from the holy mountain, which is used to make all the Mescan beers, via a spring well beside the brewery.

 

Mescan Beers are currently available in off licences around the country. They are also available directly through the website www.mescanbrewery.com which also has food pairing notes for the beers.

Beware!

 

The Very Highly Recommended Beers for 2023

The Very Highly Recommended Beers for 2023

(in no particular order!)

January 2023

Strong Blond Ale: Mescan Westport Extra

Porter: West Kerry Carraig Dubh.

IPA: Cotton Ball Fury

Session: Whiplash Rollover.

Barrel Aged Beers: 9 White Deer Stag BA Export Stout; Brehon Oak & Mirrors BA Imperial Porter.

Lager: Kinnegar Brewers at Play #27 Black Lager

 

December 2022

Ales with Wild Yeast: Black Donkey Underworld Rua Amber Ale; Black Donkey Underworld Allta Farmhouse Ale; Black Donkey Underworld Savage Farmhouse /Saison Ale.

IPA: Third Barrel Electric Eyes Idaho & El Dorado IPA

Witbier: Whiplash Alma Witbier 

Stout: Cotton Ball Lynch’s Stout; Dungarvan Coffee & Oatmeal Stout; Lineman (with Craic Beer Community) Pulse Irish Extra Stout; Whiplash The Wake Export Stout; 

9 White Deer At Home In Ballyvourney. And On The World Wide Web

9 White Deer At Home In Ballyvourney

And On The World Wide Web

Brewery team (l to r): Gordon, Donal, Iain, Sinead, Eoin

Smaller business sometimes question the value of being on social media. They should have a word with Gordon Lucey, co-founder and director of Ballyvourney’s 9 White Deer.

Take their 20 litre kegs for home consumption as an example. “The shift to home entertaining was happening, even before Covid,” he told me during last week’s visit. The kegs were first introduced by Guinness and Gordon was keeping an eye on it on various internet sites and forums. Quite often people had questions about setting up and so on and Gordon often came in with expert help.

And those interventions paid off, big time, when 9 White Deer started their own keg offering and, with Covid also happening, there was more demand for it especially from outdoor gatherings at homes. Due to his previous form, Gordon and and the brewery already had a trusted foot in the door. “The stout demand exploded. We couldn’t make enough of it, couldn’t cope.” They had to set up regular order-time windows on the Internet. Two hundred kegs would go on offer at 1.00pm on the day and eight minutes later all were sold!

The home kits are still going strong, not as high as at the peak, but “online is still a big thing for us”. 

During that hectic time, Gordon did a condensed diploma course in food manufacturing and management at UCC.  He has nothing but good things to say about it and the people behind it: “It is a great course..it changed my view… The knowledge I got from it helped us through tough times and helped us grow the business.”

Even the brewery’s name came from the big wide world of the net. They found a suitable site and started a competition, with a €500.00 prize. The suggestions rolled in in their hundreds. “Three people came up with the 9 White Deer and the first up won the five hundred. The name was perfect.” So apt, that Gordon and company were a little embarrassed: “So close to it and still we couldn’t see it!”. They took the long way around to find the deer, just like Gobnait (now, if only that saintly woman had Google!).

Thanks to all at Fia Bán for the céad míle failte!

While taking refuge in Inisheer in the Aran Islands during the Middle Ages, Clare-born Gobnait was visited by an angel who told her she should look for a place where she would find nine white deer grazing. She found the exact number of white deer in Ballyvourney and here she lies. She founded a religious order, raised bees, helped the sick and even saved the village from a plague.

Gobnait and the white deer.
Sculpture by Seamus Murphy RHA

The brewery was founded in the Gaeltacht village of Baile Bhuirne (Ballyvourney) in 2014 by Don O’Leary and Gordon (the first brewer). Donal Carey, still with the company, built the first brewery unit and importantly that included a bottling line. In 2020, Don stepped down to concentrate on his other business interests, and Gordon’s partner Sinead stepped in and they now own it and are the directors. Sinead has a strong financial experience and, according to Gordon, “keeps us on the straight and narrow” and helps out in a host of other ways.

Gordon and Sinead don't agree on everything!

Currently, they produce six beers regularly. Stag Bán, Stag Stout (green barley and oats are key ingredients), Stag Kölsch, Stag Rua are regarded as core. Black Lightning, a high ABV IPA, is a regular but not quite core, “a bit of an outlier” according to Gordon. 

They had a very busy opening period in 2014 for a variety of reasons. Common sense was used. They didn't go and try to make every style of beer in a hurry but carefully followed what people were drinking (lager and stout) and concentrated on those at the start. Contract brewing was an earner and they also did packaging for other breweries until demand grew for their own range of beers. The brewery enjoys great relationships with other brewers.

Changing faces of their bottles.

Their Kölsch, their most popular beer, grew from those early days, with help from the local water and a famous German brewmaster. We got a very good idea about the water while visiting St Gobnait’s area close to the village, quickly getting soaked during a "soft" shower. 

Soft is the operative word here as the water, from the Cork and Kerry mountains, is really soft, just perfect for lager style beers. And the guidance they got from Roland, then brewmaster of the well known Munich brewery Augustiner and still a friend of the Ballyvourney brewery, could not have been bettered. Kolsch and 9 White Deer were on their way.

The brewery is not noted for doing specials. But that could be about to change, at least to a degree. Just before Christmas they launched their Export Stout collaboration with West Waterford’s Blackwater Distillery and had a lot of fun doing so. I think it is just a brilliant stout and Gordon confirmed that it is going down very indeed with their customers. 

Plans are afoot to do a Bohemian style Pilsner in a few months time, one that will spend some ten weeks in one of the nine tanks in their packed Fermentation Hall before release. They don’t rush their beers here and the quality is all the better for that policy. Watch out too for their monster Mexican Imperial Stag Stout, chilis included in this 13.5% bad boy. Looks like current brewers Eoin Layton and Iain Mooney will be kept very busy!

So how do they get all these superb beers out there? They look after all draught sales themselves through Donal Carey. And you’ll see them on the shelves of many SuperValu and Centra Stores. Gordon: “Musgraves have been great for us, very supportive.”

And he is equally full of praise for their distributors Classic Drinks (via Sysco).  I had asked him had they thought of canning? “We had that bottling plant from day one and we’ve stuck with it as bottle sales have increased year on year with a huge amount of credit for that going to our distributors Classic Drinks.” By the way that trusty line can fill 1.5k bottles in an hour!

So now, all the beers are in place. How do you spot them on the shelves? 

“A few years back we went to an agent for a brand refresh and that was very helpful. Now we have taken on Fintan as a marketing person full-time. He has been and is a huge help in planning, designing, responsible for the recent Export badge and the new labels.”

9 White Deer Kolsch is widely available.
I enjoyed this pint in Bantry's Maritime last year.

If you look closely at the label you’ll see the words Gluten Free on everything they do. “We got help from Coeliac Ireland who worked with us in our quest to give people more choice - it was possible at the time to get GF lagers. We offered our first GF beer in 2015 and the whole brewery turned GF in the next year.’’ It is perhaps the one thing that makes the Ballyvourney outfit stand out from other micro-breweries.

How does 9 White Deer connect with the local area? “We try and do business locally as much as possible. We use Mid Cork Pallets who are just 4 kilometres away. We use local transport from the village. And we sponsor events, particularly those of a charitable nature.” If they can’t get something in Cork or Kerry, they’ll go further afield but try to keep it on the island of Ireland. Their glass, for instance comes from Encirc of Northern Ireland.

We mentioned environmentally friendly and sustainability. Gordon: “These are hugely important to us, in the areas of packaging and transport and energy. We are looking at solar and may be able to raise 40% of our electricity in that way.  We are working with Donal Quinn of ENSO to help with sustainability and ongoing monitoring. Our progress will be posted online for all to see. It is a great idea and does away with greenwashing.”

So there you are. No beating about the bush and no hiding behind it either in Ballyvourney. I reckon Gobnait would approve, might well barter a little honey for a little beer!

 Check out our feature on. Ballykilcavan Brewery, Cop. Laois.

Imperial Hotel the Supreme Winner as 2022 Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards Winners Announced

2022 Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards Winners Announced

The Imperial Hotel in Co. Cork has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards

Now in their 33rd year, the Gold Medal Awards are recognised as the leading independent awards programme for the Irish hospitality industry. Judged by industry experts, the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards recognise and reward excellence in hospitality and catering operations across the island of Ireland. The winners were announced on Tuesday, the 31st of January at a gala awards ceremony hosted by Anne Doyle at The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway.

After much deliberation, the judging panel have chosen the candidates they believe to be worthy of receiving a Gold Medal Award and only the best in the industry were crowned winners. Amongst many other winners on the night, Adare Manor in Co. Limerick took home the Gold Award for "Ireland's Five Star Resort", sponsored by Virgin Media Business. Hotels were awarded nationwide as Castle Leslie Estate in Co. Monaghan was named "Ireland's Favourite Place To Stay", voted for by the public. Other properties across the nation were also praised such as the Armada Hotel in Co. Clare as they won "Ireland's Four Star Hotel", sponsored by Career Vision Recruiters.

For more information visit www.goldmedal.ie or Call 01-6401777 or email the events team with your details and enquiry to: events@ashvillemediagroup.com.

2022 Winners Badges

2022 Winners Revealed

Supreme Winner Gold - The Imperial Hotel, Co. Cork Sponsored by Virgin Media Business Ireland's Favourite Place To Stay Overall Winner - Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan Connacht - Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Co. Sligo Leinster - Ashling Hotel, Co. Dublin Munster - Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Co. Kerry Ulster - Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel Gold - Mulranny Park Hotel Co. Mayo Silver - Sligo Park Hotel, Co. Sligo Bronze - Clonakilty Park Hotel, Co. Cork Sponsored by Adsmart Ireland's Sustainability / Leading Green Hotel Gold - Ashford Castle Hotel, Co Mayo Silver - Clew Bay Hotel, Co Mayo Bronze - Fernhill House, Co Cork Sponsored by AIB Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Gold - InterContinental Dublin, Co Dublin Silver - Hayfield Manor, Co Cork Bronze - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Co Galway Sponsored by Avvio Ireland's Afternoon Tea Hotel Gold - Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny Silver - Ashford Castle Hotel, Co Mayo Bronze - Dingle Benners Hotel, Co Kerry Sponsored by Barry's Tea Ireland's Chef of the Year Gold - The Lodge at Ashford Castle - Chef Jonathan Keane, Co. Mayo Silver - The Blue Haven - Chef Meeran Manzoor, Co. Cork Silver - Mount Falcon Estate - Chef Tom Doyle, Co. Mayo Sponsored by BWG Food Service Ireland's Hotel Group Gold - The Flynn Hotel Collection Silver - Killarney Hotel Group Bronze - Dalata Group Sponsored by Career Vision Recruiters Ireland’s Business & Conference Hotel Gold - Great Southern Killarney, Co. Kerry Silver - Cork International Hotel, Co. Cork Bronze - Lyrath Estate , Co Kilkenny Sponsored by Career Vision Recruiters Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Gold - Armada Hotel, Co. Clare Silver - The Montenotte Hotel, Co. Cork Bronze - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa Sponsored by Career Vision Recruiters Ireland’s Wine Experience Gold - The Twelve Hotel, Co. Galway Silver - The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo Bronze - Tankardstown House , Co Meath Sponsored by Classic Drinks Ireland’s Site Contract Caterer Gold - Gather & Gather , Co Dublin Silver - Sodexo - Stryker, Anngrove, Co. Cork Sponsored by Excel Recruitment Ireland’s Four Star Resort Gold - Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan Silver - Galgorm, Co. Antrim Bronze - Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway Sponsored by Istil38 Ireland’s Guest Experience Gold - Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork Silver - The Imperial Hotel, Co. Cork Bronze - The K Club, Co. Kildare Sponsored by Netaffinity Ireland's Five Star Resort Gold - Adare Manor, Co. Limerick Silver - Ashford Castle Hotel, Co. Mayo Bronze - The K Club, Co. Kildare Sponsored by Virgin Media Business Ireland’s Three Star Hotel Gold - Clew Bay Hotel, Co. Mayo Silver - The Wyatt Hotel, Co. Mayo Bronze - Castle Arch Hotel, Co. Meath Ireland's Hotel Casual Dining Experience Gold - The Hound at Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny Silver - The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens, Co. Kerry Bronze - Dingle Benners Hotel, Co. Kerry Ireland's Innovative Supplier Gold - Excel Recruitment Ireland’s City Hotel Gold - The Westin Dublin, Co. Dublin Silver - Granville Hotel Waterford, Co. Waterford Bronze - Temple Bar Inn, Co. Dublin Ireland’s Country House & Guest House Experience Gold - The Mustard Seed, Co. Limerick Silver - Dunbrody Country House Hotel, Co. Wexford Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel, Co. Wexford Ireland’s Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Gold - Adare Manor, Co. Limerick Silver - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, Co. Roscommon Bronze - Tankardstown House, Co. Meath Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - The Spa at Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo Silver - Aqua Sana at Center Parcs Longford Forest, Co. Longford Bronze - ESPA at The Europe, Co. Kerry Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, Co. Roscommon Silver - The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel, Co. Donegal Bronze - Kelly's Resort Hotel, Co. Wexford Ireland’s Front of House Team/Team Member Gold - Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Co. Kerry Silver - Dylan Hotel, Co. Dublin Bronze - The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland’s Healthcare Caterer Gold - Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Co. Cork Ireland’s Hotel Breakfast Gold - Harvey's Point Hotel, Co. Donegal Silver - The Imperial Hotel, Co. Cork Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel, Co. Wexford Ireland’s Menu Provenance Award Gold - Brook Lane Hotel, Co. Kerry Silver - Ballymaloe House, Co. Cork Bronze - Castlewood House Dingle, Co. Kerry Ireland’s Wedding Hotel Gold - Markree Castle, Co. Sligo Silver - Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny Bronze - Fernhill House, Co. Cork Outstanding Customer Service Award Gold - Fiadh Little, Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork Silver - Ashling Hotel Dublin Reservations Team, Co. Dublin Bronze - The Address Citywest Team, Co. Dublin