Bird's Eye View of Cork Harbour from Fota Wild Wildlife Park's New Attraction

Bird's Eye View of Cork Harbour from Fota Wild Wildlife Park's New Attraction

Photos taken 9th March 2025

From 13th March to 8th June, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Panoramic Wheel, offering a never-before-seen aerial view of the park and its stunning surroundings. Based inside Fota Wildlife Park, this will be an optional, paid-for experience, with tickets for the Panoramic Wheel available at a separate ticketing booth from €5 per individual.

The Giraffe is no longer the tallest attraction at Fota.

Heron

Gibbon having a swing

Guinea Fowl

Ostrich

Pride

Rhino Munch

Splendid JN Wine Portfolio Tasting at the Hayfield Manor

 Splendid JN Wine Portfolio Tasting at the Hayfield Manor

Stéphan Heinrich

JN Wines, a family business now celebrating 47 years, presented a sterling selection of wines from around the world at Monday’s Portfolio Tasting at Hayfield Manor. The glassed venue in the garden was perfect for the occasion. The sun obliged and the glass “roof” was opened for a spell. In addition, aside from the self-pour tastings, JN was joined by Adrián Bujanda from Familia Martínez Bujanda (Rioja) and  Stéphan Heinrich (Languedoc).

Though Bujanda is Riojan-based, they did have a Verdejo, Finca Montepedrosso from Rueda. Having spent five months on fine lees, it was a little more complex than usual but had the usual fruit and acidity. 

Adrián Bujanda

Perhaps the highlight was tasting their Joven, Crianza and Reserva, all three 100% Tempranillo. The 2023 Joven has been raised in stainless, and it didn't see any oak, and, as always, I found it fresh and fruity and very engaging. The 2020 Crianza had spent 12 months in oak and was another excellent wine and "a customer favourite". The star here was the Reserva (2018), with its sweet species, mature fruit and long expressive finish; it was indeed one of the wines of the show.

Stéphan Heinrich told me that Maison Ventenac is just 8 kilometres from Carcassone, familiar to many Cork travellers. Their labels are unusually simple but quite eye-catching. I started with the Steph (short for Stephanie!), a cracking 2023 Merlot 

But there was better to come as both the Réserve de Jeanne (2021) and the Dissidents’ L’Idiot were top-class. The Jeanne blends 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Syrah. It is not typical of the region, but the freshness of the Cabernet and the flavour and pepper notes of the Syrah make for an excellent result and push it to the top of the tasting ranks at the Hayfield. L’Idiot, 100% Merlot, is a beautiful juice, fruity and boasting a great minerality. Another for the shortlist!

One of the best!

All the other tables were classed under variety, and there were no country sections. Quite a few to go through, but one country that caught my eye, or should I say, taste buds, was South Africa. There was a very good Rustenberg Chardonnay from Stellenbosch, a high-scoring Cabernet Sauvignon (2022), while the red blend from Rustenberg (John X Merriman) and Newton Johnson’s Full Stop Rock was also top-class. Do we underrate South African wines in Ireland?

Just before Christmas, I exchanged season greetings online with Ramsi Ghosin of Massaya, who is based in the Bekaa Valley. “I'm hoping, with fingers crossed as they say, ‘that the dynamic of peace will finally prevail in Lebanon’”. 

A top red!

In his newsletter, he wrote: “..wine in Lebanon has experienced a tremendous renaissance. When we started Massaya in 1998, there were only four wine producers. Today, our number exceeds 60. So how can we explain the contradiction between the growth of Lebanese wine and the turmoil we have simultaneously faced?”

And I was hoping for peace also as I sipped their marvellous Le Columbier 2021 at the Hayfield, even though part of my reason was a little on the selfish side. We need more wines like this blend, which has equal amounts of Cinsault, Grenache and Tempranillo. It has good fruit and spice and a finish that lingers.

Enjoyed this Merlot from
Maison Ventenac

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My Shopping List

Top whites

Au Bon Climat White Blend 2021

Neudorf Rosie’s Black Chardonnay 2019

Coustarret AOC Jurancon Sec Contrastes

Beauregard Saint Véran Classic 2022

Dom. Gueguen Chablis 2023

Dom. Bott-Geyl Les Elements Riseling 2022

Wine & Soul Manoella 2023

Top reds

Ventenac Réserve de Jeanne 2021

Sophenia Malbec 2021

Newton Johnson Full Stop Rock 2020

Ventenac ‘Les Dissidents’ L’Idiot 2023

Bujanda Rioja Reserva 2018

Massaya Le Columbier 2021

Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022

Celebrate Mothering Sunday with a chic brunch in the elegant setting of The River Lee

 Press Releases #hotelsspring25

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Celebrate Mothering Sunday with a chic brunch in the elegant setting of The River Lee

Part of the luxury Irish hotel group The Doyle Collection, The River Lee is a touch of glamour in the heart of Cork city, and the perfect setting for an afternoon spent honouring and cherishing the wonderful mothers and mother figures in your life.

 

Running from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday March 30th, in the sparkling setting of The Mirror Room with its panoramic windows facing out onto the river. The three-course Mother’s Day brunch begins with a complimentary welcome cocktail upon arrival, with live music setting the tone for a lovely, leisurely afternoon.

 

Begin with a granola pot with fruit compote and then choose from a selection of dishes created using the finest local produce, including crayfish and crab linguini with baby spinach, roast vine tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, or buttermilk chicken waffles topped with sriracha sauce and maple-glazed bacon. There’s the brunch classic of eggs Benedict with Gubbeen chorizo, Riverview poached eggs, and hollandaise on a toasted muffin, an English Market quiche with dressed rocket, and a fresh vegetarian option of Coolea cheese & charred corn fritters with hummus, chilli crisp, and lime dressing. Desserts include a rich chocolate tart with cassis sorbet or delicious confit rhubarb and orange sorbet paired alongside a baked vanilla cheesecake, each as sweet as the ladies you’ve gathered to celebrate. For the little ones, there will also be a 3-course children’s menu available with beef burgers, chicken tenders and of course a sweet treat at the end.

 

Tickets cost €60 per person and include the three-course brunch and a complimentary welcome cocktail. If you wanted to make a weekend of it, room rates start at €275 per night for that weekend. To book your ticket to Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday March 30th visit www.sevenrooms.com

 

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Bottomless Brunch this Easter at 

The Limerick Strand Hotel

Hop into Easter with a celebratory  Hoppy Hour Bottomless Brunch at The River Bar & Restaurant, Limerick Strand Hotel!  Join the fun with a delicious celebration featuring bottomless prosecco and stellar food on Saturday, April 12th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

 

Savour delectable brunch options such as Eggs Benedict, Pancakes topped with Fresh Berries, and Chicken and Waffles, all skilfully crafted by Executive Chef Paddy Anslow and his exceptional team. This is a great chance to spend quality moments with loved ones—be sure to join this lively Easter celebration, complete with scrumptious food and refreshing beverages!   The complete menu is HERE.

 

The Hoppy Hour Bottomless Brunch costs €50 per person and features entertainment from our Duracell Bunny House DJ. Additionally, consider trying their exclusive Hoppy Hour Easter Cocktail as an add-on!

 

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EGGS-PLORE A LITTLE MORE THIS EASTER

CRACKING GOOD VALUE FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT 4* LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL

Overnight break from €125 per adult sharing

PACKAGE OVERVIEW 

-Overnight Package Includes Family Room Accommodation (2 Adults & 2 Kids Ur 12 Yrs) 
-Family breakfast

-Easter Egg on arrival for the children
-Complimentary access to Energize Health Centre 
-Kids Under 12 Dine Free in The River Bar & Restaurant with every adult main course purchased

 

Instagram: @limerickstrandhotel Facebook: @LimerickStrandHotel www.strandlimerick.ie

 

Hop over to Limerick Strand Hotel this Easter for some wholesome family fun and enjoy their overnight “Eggs-plore a Little More” experience running throughout the Easter holidays.

The overnight package includes family room accommodation (two adults and two children under 12 years), an award-winning breakfast for all the family, and a welcome Easter egg for the kids. Children under 12 can dine for FREE! (This includes a free main course for every adult main course purchased.) Hotel guests also have complimentary access to the Energize Health Centre, which includes a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. The overnight break costs from € 250 per family.

Why not book an Easter Sunday Lunch at The River Restaurant & Bar for families arriving to stay on Easter Sunday? It’s popular for those seeking a memorable and entertaining afternoon with exceptional food and service. On Sunday, 20th April, they will offer a delicious 4-course Lunch Buffet where you will be warmly welcomed with a glass of bubbly and a visit from the Easter Bunny, who will hop around delivering chocolate eggs to all the children. Reservations are available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each Sunday (pre-booking is essential) and include a glass of Prosecco on arrival for adults and an Easter egg for children. It costs €39 per adult and €18.50 per child, and kids under 5 years old can dine for free!

Families can easily explore Limerick city on foot or hire a bike and take advantage of the green spaces along the Shannon riverbank or go further afield and explore the beautiful wooden trails and parks, which include Curraghchase Forest Park, Ballyhoura Mountain Trails & Limerick Greenway. During Easter, the city and environs will host a series of activities, including the fun Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt in Croom on April 18^th. The city is packed with historic places of interest, activities, cultural hot spots, and great food stops including the famous Milk Market and the hotel 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.   They also offer EXCLUSIVE GUEST DISCOUNTS for various local attractions and activities.

If you fancy staying by the edge, then Limerick is the perfect base to explore the beauty of the region, plus the hotel is beautifully perched overlooking the majestic River Shannon, blessed with superb facilities, warm and attentive staff plus award-winning food, making it the perfect place for an urban escape or an ideal base for exploring the incredible surrounds of the Wild Atlantic Way 

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

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MOTHERING SUNDAY AT 

THE LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL

 

  Treat your mother like the queen she is on Sunday, March 20^th, at the multi-award-winning Limerick Strand Hotel, where you are guaranteed a stress-free and relaxing day.   The exclusive Mother’s Day Sunday Buffet Lunch is a gorgeous affair, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the friendly and dedicated staff and enjoy a delicious feast in the gorgeous surroundings of the River Restaurant & Bar with stunning riverside views.

The buffet Sunday lunch includes a welcoming glass of bubbles on arrival and four-course options.  Your mum will also receive a special gift and will be able to take advantage of free on-site car parking.  The Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch experience costs €39 per adult and €18.50 per child, with kids under five dining for free with a child-friendly menu on offer.

Alternatively, you can treat your mum to a relaxing Afternoon Tea in the heart of Limerick City at the Limerick Strand Hotel. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious afternoon with views of the River Shannon. Indulge in a three-tiered platter of exquisite finger sandwiches complemented by freshly baked warm scones, clotted cream and jam, and a selection of afternoon tea pastries and treats. The Limerick Strand wholeheartedly supports all things local and is always in search of new suppliers while aiding small artisan producers. They have crafted a bespoke Limerick Afternoon Tea in collaboration with the iconic Cahill’s Tea, Limerick’s oldest shop, nestled in the historic tobacco factory on Wickham Street in Limerick City.

It is available daily from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and costs €34.50 per person. Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for €16.95 per child.

To make a reservation, please visit www.strandlimerick.ie or contact 061 421800 or hello@strandlimerick.ie for assistance.

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CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL LAUNCHES SPRING MENU TO SHOWCASE SUSTAINABLE LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS

At the launch: L-R Eoghan Murphy, General Manager, Edel Kavanagh, Deputy General Manager and Executive Head Chef, Paul Ryan. Photo: Brian Lougheed

The Cork International Hotel has launched a new Spring menu with a special emphasis on reducing food waste.

A number of dishes have been created to contribute to the hotel’s Zero Food Waste targets and these are identified by a special symbol on the menu. One of the key measures is sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and these are highlighted on a map which is printed on the menu.

Locally sourced produce and sustainability have always been a key consideration for the team at the Cork International Hotel. As part of the Trigon Hotel Group, along with the Metropole Hotel, they launched a Food Charter last year which aims to combat food waste and bolster sustainability efforts. As a result, the hotels have reduced the amount of food waste by 12.5% or four tonnes so far.

Among the 10 commitments outlined in the charter is to monitor all waste and its source and use every element of a product where suitable. They have designed no-waste dishes by creating specific meals which do not generate organic or non-organic by-product waste.

The team has always been committed to using seasonality and supporting local suppliers including McCarthy Meats in Cork City, Waterfall Farm Vegetables, Allshire Meats in West Cork, Glenmar Seafood in Union Hall and Clóna Ltd. Dairy Products in Clonakilty.

Executive Head Chef at Cork International Hotel, Paul Ryan, said: “We are committed to reducing our footprint and this menu is a reflection of the overall vision of the hotel group. We have a wonderful community of top class food producers and suppliers which we are delighted to work with. As a team we are working hard to reduce food waste and we have created a number of dishes on the menu to speak to that. By choosing those options, you are helping us on our journey working towards a more sustainable future. We look forward to welcoming diners and them trying our dishes.”

A sample menu includes: 

Levantine Falafel - Preserved Apricot Salsa, Houmous, Raita Dressing, Toasted Almonds

New York Inspired Chicken Wings - House Hot Sauce and Cashel Blue Cheese Dip

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Tagliatelle Pasta - Oyster Mushroom & New Season Spinach, Parmesan Cream, Truffled Gremolata

Roast striploin of Irish Beef  - Thyme Roasted Baby Potatoes, Butternut Squash Puree, Charred Broccolini, Rich Red Wine Jus.

Wild Atlantic Fish and Chips - Crispy Battered Fresh Local Haddock, Tartar Sauce,

House Pea Purée, & French Fries

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Brooklyn’s Famous Black Out Cake - Chocolate Génoise, Amarena Cherries, Candied Hazelnuts, Chantilly Cream, Caramelised White Chocolate

Rhubarb & Almond Delice - First of the Season Rhubarb & Vanilla Compote, Apple Cider Jelly, Almond Streusel

General Manager of Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy, said: “Our team of chefs, led by Paul, have designed a really exciting menu which reflects the hotel’s ethos of reducing food waste and supporting local suppliers. Each dish has been designed using the freshest ingredients and we look forward to inviting our customers to the New Yorker for lunch or dinner throughout the Spring and beyond.”

The restaurant opens daily 12pm - 9.30pm and reservations can be made online at https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/dining/make-a-reservation-online/

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An evening with Emanuele Rocca of Dezzani and Podere don Cataldo Wineries in 

The Grill Room at The River Lee 

The River Lee is delighted to present the next in its series of wine dinners, welcoming Emanuele Rocca  (right) of Dezzani and Podere don Cataldo Wineries to the sophisticated surroundings of The Grill Room on Thursday, 27th March at 7pm.

An opportunity to sample some of the stellar wines from Angelo Rocca & Figli, a respected Italian family company founded in 1880, this dynamic and successful business produces wines from the renowned Italian regions of Puglia and Piedmont. 

Podere Don Cataldo is a 100-hectare estate in the heart of Salento, in Puglia, with a focus on traditional regional varieties, and Dezzani is a niche historical cellar in Monferrato, Piedmont, where the emphasis is particularly on Barbera.

In partnership with ENO Wine, Emanuele Rocca of Dezzani and Podere don Cataldo, the fifth generation of his family in the business, will introduce the wines on the night of Thursday, 27th March, with a menu designed to complement the selection created by Executive Head Chef Paul Lane. 

Beginning with cheese gougères and a glass of Vermentino, Podere Don Cataldo 2023, Salento, the dinner begins with a Ballycotton scallop ceviche, yuzu and avocado emulsion paired with Cortese, Dezzani 2023 Gavi, Piedmont. Slow-cooked pork belly with a spiced mushroom ketchup is matched with a Barbera d’Asti Superiore, Dezzani 2021, Piedmont, and this is followed by roast West Cork Wagyu fillet steak, with carrot, salsa verde, baby turnip and foie jus, partnered by Primitivo, Podere Don Cataldo 2022, Salento.

To finish, a selection of fine local Cork cheese with fig jam and lavash crackers is accompanied by Nebbiolo, Dezzani ‘San Carlo’ 2018 Barolo, Piedmont, and followed by petits fours and tea or coffee.

Tickets for the Dezzani and Podere don Cataldo wine dinners in association with ENO Wine are available from March 3rd from www.sevenrooms.com and cost €95.