Getting married next year? Check out The InterContinental in Dublin

‘SAY I DO’ AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL DUBLIN WEDDING OPEN DAY

SUNDAY 26 JUNE, 2016 FROM 1.00PM – 5.00PM

InterContinental Dublin, Ireland's finest Five Star Hotel (formerly Four Seasons Hotel), renowned for its timeless elegance and contemporary style, located in Ballsbridge, an unrivalled location for a city resort wedding, is delighted to announce its first Wedding Open Day on Sunday 26 June, 2016; from 1.00pm - 5.00pm,  since completing refurbishments of its luxurious Ballrooms.

The InterContinental Dublin Wedding Open Day is the event to attend for the most fashionable wedding couples looking to plan a celebration that is truly unforgettable with expert assistance from InterContinental Dublin’s own expert team of Wedding Specialists.

Prospective couples will get a glimpse into the top-tier services the Hotel has to offer and will be among the first to see its newly refurbished Ballrooms and event spaces. InterContinental Dublin is the only Five Star Hotel in the city to offer a choice of two Ballrooms - all luxuriously decorated with gold and muted elegant tones flowing onto beautifully landscaped Terrace and Inner Courtyard Garden.

Enjoy champagne and delicious canapés on arrival where couples will be invited to a private consultation of its stylish spaces featuring sets from formal, to informal, showcasing the huge flexibility that its wedding spaces can offer for a bespoke wedding whether you are looking for formal or informal celebrations.

Couples are invited to register for a personal invitation to confirm a private consultation on the day with one of its expert wedding specialists.

To request an invitation, please email weddings@icdublin.com 

Epic new tourist attraction in Dublin

Epic Visitor Museum at CHQ Building Custom House Quay

Open 7 days per week 9am-6pm

There's an Epic new attraction in the CHQ described as Dublin's newest immersive visitor museum. I brought along two pre-teens, to see how Ireland's Diaspora changed the world, and was surprised and impressed at how the interactive displays kept them busy.

Getting passports at emigration

On entering the fully accessible building, we were handed our passports, which instantly gave the girls something to do. The adults seemed just as amused with the task of stamping their passports as they completed each section of the exhibition.

Stamping passports as we passed through the museum

The ambience and initial imagery is unmistakably celtic, and I did wonder if this was going to be fun for the kids, Our island's tragic history makes gloomy reading and the story of emigration even more downbeat and ever cyclical. However, the constant stamping got the kids through the initial horrors of famine, destitution and poverty without determent, and the girls had their phones out from the initial display. Using their cameras and social media is as much a part of an experience for this generation as the exhibits, and because the displays became more fun and interactive as we passed through each section the girls stayed longer to find out more.

The layout of the exhibition is cavernous which neatly blocks the themes of music, arts, sport and literature into tidy separate sections that are easy to navigate.

I was especially impressed by the books in the literature rooms which recounted tales from various classic novels when pulled from the shelf. The guides were especially helpful in this part of the museum and eager to show off the novelties.

Those Diaspora who had achieved acclaim on the silver and small screens were recorded especially well and I was so engrossed that I lost the girls at that stage. They were more amused by the sports room and found a place to make better use of snapchat and instagram.

The images taking me through Italia 90 made me quite reminiscent of our innocence as a nation and I was even emotional watching the pope in the Pheonix Park in 1979. Although, I'd imagine the JFK speech will impact largely with the American Visitors to the museum.

The girls were getting into the swing of the museum by the time we reached the sport room

I was genuinely astonished to see the Irish Diaspora's contribution to science and astronomy and this particular display was the most innovative with fluorescent light effects.

The room of notorious Irish was possibly the most fun for the girls and they were educated about historical facts while they partook in the interactive quiz. I have to admit that I danced around from option A to B a couple of times myself. Every bit of space is used with the displays in all the rooms making the floors, walls and free standing surfaces equally interesting and informative.

It was nice to see one of my classmates from my old alma mater, the NCAD in Thomas Street, getting a display to himself beside the likes of Francis Bacon and Eileen Gray.

We did spend over an hour at the museum which made the entry fee of €16 for adults and €8 for kids good value.

With plenty of opportunities to see their names in lights the girls got involved with the personalised postcards and twitter feeds. If you do visit this summer be sure to use the hastag #epicireland to see your tweet in lights. Some heavyweight social media experts like @tedrubin have been to visit here already! It's good to see a top quality attraction like this in Dublin. With the range of healthy eating options upstairs at the CHQ I really hope that visitors are directed to this attraction this summer and it will put in an interesting afternoon for those living in Dublin or visiting from the rest of Ireland too.

The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin is tops for Valentine's Day!

If you are planning on spoiling your loved one this Valentine's Day or if you are hoping your loved one has plans for you but needs a little help, then look no further. I've been busy researching three top romantic venues with pampering being a priority for this Valentine's Day. If you don't have plans to go away this weekend then keep these hotels in mind for your next escape in Ireland!

Top of the list is...

#1 The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin

A ten minute drive will bring you from Stephen's Green to Dublin's most desirable suburb, Ballsbridge, where the intercontinental hotel is nestled conveniently beside the RDS , the Aviva Stadium and a host of desirable bars and restaurants. Location is perfect for a weekend getaway and with Valentine's weekend around the corner I decided to check out this main stay of luxury accommodation which morphed out of the Four Seasons Hotel over a year ago. I was met by the courteous reception that you would expect from this Five Star establishment and many of the hotel's best features like the Ice Bar remain the same. But the building has been given a generous facelift and after a quick peek into Season's restaurant I couldn't wait for my lunch!

The Italian chef, Alberto Rossi, offered a wonderful a la carte menu with seasonal produce. I was very impressed by the different flavours he added to the menu and it was nice to see Teelings Whiskey being used so creatively in a starter. Even if you have a special lunch in mind for a friends or parents birthday it is incredible value at €34 for two courses and a meal that will stay in the memory for years.

The spa at the Intercontinental is possibly one of the best kept secrets in Dublin. Offering the complete range of ESPA treatments I opted for a facial and was treated with essential oils of my own choosing. The ESPA range is carried in the best hotels around Ireland and a guarantee of quality. I was offered a head or arm massage to accompany the facial and my experienced Philipino therapist was kind and attentive throughout. There are four treatment rooms which means that although the facility is small it doesn't get crowded. The lap pool in the spa is accompanied by a generous Jacuzzi which can fit a multitude and looks out onto a pleasant courtyard. It is easy to forget that I am only a few minutes from Dublin City centre.

The newly refurbished bedrooms are generously sized with a bath that filled up in a couple of minutes. With all the usual mod cons in the room and unlimited WIFI this hotel had everything needed for a good night's sleep. Breakfast was a complete treat. Choice of buffet style or service the menu included smoothies and pancakes and the usual high standards of an Intercontinental Hotel but my favourite was the natural honeycomb on offer beside the porridge. It's one of the yard sticks I use to judge a perfect breakfast buffet.

It can be difficult to find parking in Ballsbridge but the Interconintental car park is convenient to all the must see venues in the area. I had a busy day ahead of me at Holiday World checking out new destinations to visit and write about but after such a wonderful stay in my own home town - I won't want to go anywhere else for a while. Even if you live in Dublin the Intercontinental is a perfect choice for a girls spa retreat or a romantic getaway with your loved one.

 L'Amore Valentines at the 5* InterContinental Dublin in Ballsbridge

Indulge and celebrate true love with our Italian themed Luxurious ‘L’Amore’ Valentines Package featuring;

• A luxurious one night stay in a Deluxe Room including sumptuous chocolate tasting plate on arrival
• Full Irish Breakfast served in Seasons Restaurant or why not breakfast in bed!
• Relax in the surroundings of The Spa including access to the pool, thermal suite (steam room, sauna), Jacuzzi or why not treat you and your Amore to a relaxing couples treatment with our expert therapists.
• That evening let your Italian inspired romance flow as InterContinental Dublin’s Executive Chef Alberto Rossi seduces the senses with an Italian inspired Menu in Seasons Restaurant. 

Package price: from €445 per Room/per Night (based on two sharing). Available Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 February, 2016.

For more visit: http: //www.intercontinentaldublin.ie or call 01 665 4000 or email; reservations@icdublin.com

#2 An indulgent Valentine’s Day escape for two at Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Resort

If you are in the South of the country I highly recommend Faithlegg House for a touch of the Downtown Abbey but with all the cosy familiarity of staying in your favourite aunties! It's close to Dunmore East and Passage East and has a massive whirlpool where you can lose yourself with your loved one... 

Set in the midst of the beautiful Waterford countryside, Faithlegg House Hotel is the picture perfect setting for a loved-up break this Valentine’s Day. Whisk your other half away for a romantic Valentine’s celebration and enjoy a blissful two nights together in the heavenly surrounds of Faithlegg House Hotel.

Relax in to your romantic escape with freshly prepared handmade chocolates and chocolate dipped strawberries awaiting you in your room on arrival. Enjoy some uninterrupted time together with a walk in the picturesque woodlands, afternoon tea or a relaxing couple of hours catching up with your favourite book in the undisturbed company of your loved one.

The indulgent Valentine’s package includes a romantic, specially designed Valentine’s Day meal in the award winning Roseville Rooms restaurant prepared by head chef Jenny Flynn, a two night stay in one of the luxurious bedrooms at Faithlegg House Hotel, handmade chocolates and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival and a freshly prepared Irish breakfast each morning, prices start at €175 per person sharing.

Faithlegg House Hotel is an ideal location for a romantic getaway for two, for more information visit www.faithlegg.com or call 051 382000. 

#3 Radisson Blu Hotel Galway

I stayed here with the family but I can recommend this hotel as a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, make sure to ask for a room with a view over the bay. The Radisson Blu is in the perfect location close to the train station and Eyre Square. 

The rooms have been refurbished and there are lots of lovely treats in this hotel like the salt grotto in the hotel's spa and the sushi restaurant. I especially loved the nespresso machines in the bedrooms for coffee lovers. So why not get romantic in Galway!

Dinner in Marina’s Grill for €45 euro includes a pre-dinner glass of bubbles with a strawberry and a sweet treat at the end of the meal and is available on the 13^th and 14^th February. 

B&B €159 per room 14th Feb only

Unwind Package Includes a choice of Elemis Full Body Massage 55 mins or Elemis Skin Modern Facial Also Includes 4 Hours Thermal Suite, Pool & Outdoor Hot Tub and a 2 Course Lunch All for just €99.00

For more information of to book visit http://www.radissonhotelgalway.com/

The Charlemont - An Exciting New Place to Eat in Dublin

Charlemont Bar & Bistro is the latest addition to the Dublin food and drink scene, located overlooking the canal on Charlemont Place. Following an almost €1m investment that has created two settings brought together by the common themes of design, style and vibe.

OUTDOOR TERRACE

Charlemont also features a canal-facing outdoor terrace, which is walled and lined with mature shrubs and for which general manger, Paul Flavin, expects high demand due to the paucity of good outdoor dining spaces in the capital and in spite of Ireland’s inclement climate.

Whilst Charlemont is part of Hilton Dublin, Paul Flavin explains how it has been designed as a stand- alone bar and bistro to appeal to new audiences. “One of the features that we feel will attract visitors to Charlemont is that it can be accessed from street level.   Obviously we hope that hotel guests will enjoy Charlemont Bar & Bistro but we really want to offer an experience that is somewhat separate from the hotel, creating an ambience and environment that will tempt people  who might not traditionally consider a night out in a hotel bar.  Charlemont is different and we think that anyone dropping by will be pleasantly surprised,” said Paul.

Charlemont was designed by Dublin interior architecture and design company Millimetre Design, which was involved in all aspects of the fit-out from interior architecture, design, procurement and project management.

PHASE ONE TRANSFORMATION

Both the bar and bistro were designed using materials such as rich stained oaks, dura stone and antique mirrors and colours such as dark powder blues and warm beiges.  The new sophisticated look and feel gives a new edge to the front of the property and is the first phase of a major capital investment programme at Hilton Dublin.  Phase two will see a full bedroom refurbishment.

“This really is a new chapter for us and the timing feels absolutely right,” said Paul Flavin. “There is a buzz around the city centre that extends into great spots such as Ranelagh, Rathmines, Rathgar and Donnybrook and we are really well positioned between them all.  We have a great new offering and a brilliant and committed team and we hope that people like what we do, because we are loving doing it.”

THE MENUS

Executive chef, Alan Brady has placed an emphasis on great quality ingredients done simply and done well and the provenance of the ingredients is paramount to his menu design.

Charlemont’s menus include fresh Kilkeel mussels, Chulchoill goat’s cheese and Kilmore Quay scallops.  Its beef is from nearby Clonee and the sharing cheeseboard includes Wicklow blue, smoked Gubeen, Tipperary brie and Cooleeny.

Lunchtime salad choices, which are priced from €12 include quinoa & avocado with soya beans, broccoli florets, baby spinach, pumpkins and a citrus vinaigrette; poached pear & feta with caramelised walnuts, red onion, arugula and cherry vinaigrette or a smoked trout and beetroot salad with horseradish and dill dressing.  

Guests can also enjoy Gorgonzola & walnut ravioli; gourmet burgers or a selection of sandwiches including pan fried wild mushroom & thyme focaccia or poached salmon & dill.

The sharing platters are already proving popular and priced from €15 include an Antipasto of Milano salami, pastrami, Serrano ham, sundried tomatoes, marinated olives and rustic bread or a seafood platter of calamari tempura prawns, fish fritters and citrus aioli and a sweet sesame and soy dressing

The evening menu includes seared Procanar duck breast served with wilted greens, mange tout, sweet potato puree and a crème de cassis jus (€22) and pan fried sea bream with broad beans, asparagus and new potatoes (€23).

THE DRINKS

The good news for lovers of wine is that there are a dozen wines available by the glass, with prices starting at €6.50 for a crisp Australian Chardonnay (The Pick) or a fruity Spanish (Marques De Plata).  Charlemont’s Champagne is the delicious Pannier and the wine list extends to include a selection that will appeal to different palettes or occasions including:

• Domaine Del Sol, Picpoul, 2013 (France) €8.50 / €30
• Peter Schweiger, Gruner Veltliner, 2013 (Austria) €38
• Lupe Cholet, Chablis, 2012 (France) €42
• The Edge, Pinot Noir, 2010 (New Zealand) €38
• Don David, Malbec, 2011 (Argentina) €9 / €33
• Il Bucco, Montepulciano, 2013 (Italy) €8 / €26

Cocktails are a house speciality and reasonably priced from €8. The cocktail list includes classics such as Espresso Martini, Mojito and Cosmopolitan and each week the bartenders will devise a Charlemont Surprise, which, this week is an Autumn Whisper made with Chivas Regal, 12 year old Grand Marnier and ginger ale.

Charlemont is open seven days a week from 7.00am serving food until 10.00pm.  Reservations are not essential but for enquiries telephone 01 4029988, check out Charlemont on Facebook or on Twitter at @The_Charlemont  

Come and visit Dublin

Dublin a breath of fresh air!

Tourism Ireland has made a wonderful video about my home town Dublin and I thought I'd share it with you. Click on the picture to view it.

Dublin can be heaven...and a spot of Tapas Afternoon Tea!

Are you heading to Dublin City this weekend? Don't miss out on a real treat in one of my personal favourite Wine Bars!

Ireland's first 'Afternoon Tapas Tea' served at Bach 16   #Dublin    #Delicious    #First

Bach 16 on Dublin's Bachelor's Walk is one of Dublin's best casual dining spots. It's rustic, tiny, Tuscan town tapas style restaurant has proven to be a huge hit with tourists and locals since it opened almost two years ago. Known for their wine,  tapas ,and  thin and crispy stone baked pizza, Bach 16 on Dublin's famous Bachelor's walk is one to try and now they have launched Ireland's first ever Afternoon Tapas Tea served with bubbles! Read their reviews on Tripadvisor

Afternoon tea is a much loved treat for all occasions. Traditionally synonymous with fancy hotels, however, the market for the dainty three tiered Victorian special has widened with establishments casual to contemporary competing to offer something different to appeal to the in-demand experience. 

Some have taken a modern approach  while others have added signature dishes or treats to the traditional tea in a bid to be different. You'll find almost every variation and alternative twist to afternoon tea out there, and now Bach 16 on Dublin's Bachelor's Walk have taken it a step further introducing a taste-bud tantalising tapas treat. Ireland's first  Afternoon Tapas Tea.

Edward Smith of Bach 16 commented, "We wanted to create something special which  still embodied the tradition of the three tier afternoon tea experience,  that people love. As Bach 16 is a Tapas Wine Bar,  we felt a savoury selection of tasty tapas topped with an array of cheeses for dessert, washed down with a glass of bubbles would go down well."

 

Introducing  'Afternoon Tapas Tea' 

Known for their mouth watering tapas and stone baked, thin and crispy pizza, Bach 16 have concentrated their love for making  tasty tapas to  create the Afternoon Tapas Tea. The bottom tier holds:

• Stone baked chicken and chorizo served on a bed of spinach topped with a drizzle of the finest 6 year aged Italian reduction

• a roasted red pepper stuffed with goat cheese, crushed walnuts on a bed of leaf, topped with a drizzle of honey presented in a heart shaped baking tray

• Hummus in olive oil, sprinkled in herbs served with crispy dipping bread & Olives

Middle Tier

• Bach 16's signature Bruschetta, thin and crispy toasted bread smothered in hummus, freshly chopped tomato and melted cheese, topped with pesto 

• Italian Pate served with cranberry sauce, goat cheese and crispy bread

Top Tier 

• Punnet of seedless grapes surrounded by Irish , french and Italian cheeses served with a mini pot of butter scotch and honey 

 

€19.50 per person

*Afternoon Tapas Tea accompanied by a glass of prosecco or wine  €25.50

For Afternoon Tapas Tea bookings:

01 8720215 / reservations@bach16.com 

 

www.bach16.com

Twitter: @bach16cafe

Facebook: Bach 16 

Bach 16, 16 Bachelor's Walk, Dublin 1

Celebrity Cruises in Dublin

Me with Edward Smith from Suburbia on line 

I spent the most lovely day on Sunday with the gorgeous Edward Smith of suburbiaonline on board the Solstice class ship Silhouette. It was a great way to put in a sunny afternoon with sublime views of my home town from a perspective that I have never seen before.

The pool on board Silhouette

 We sampled the wonderful saunas and new Persian Gardens now available to Aqua class passengers. Then we dined in the Tuscan Grille where I enjoyed the best Tiramisu ever - no wonder it is aptly named a 'pick me up' with the smouldering aroma of Italian liquors.

The visit brought back happy memories of my time spent on board the Solstice class ship, Reflection, last year. I will blog about very soon...watch this space!

Howth: My Hometown in Dublin Ireland

I've been travel writing for over two years and I realise that I have been neglecting to write about my own country, especially the place that I am most passionate about in the world - my home town of Howth. It is not far from Ireland's capital city, Dublin.

Howth Harbour photo @Eamonn Blaney

This peninsula is more than a picturesque fishing village. It is home to several varieties of seabirds and a large family of friendly seals that frequent the harbour and sound between Ireland's Eye and piers. Howth has an historic and cultural heritage. It is one of the most important destinations that Leopold Bloom visited during his walk on June 16th 1904 in Joyce's famous novel Ulysses. in the nineteenth century the great artists Orpen and Osbourne were known to come here to paint and seek inspiration. One of Orpen's loveliest portraits in the National Gallery features a woman standing on Howth Head.

Gorgeous Dublin Bay from Howth Head photo @Ann Dunne

A short walk from howth harbour along the serpentine start of the cliff walk is a house where the poet WB Yeats lived for three years. 

It has a spectacular view of the harbour and the neighbouring islands and must have inspired him.

Howth is easily accessed by bus and the DART which is the Dublin Area Rapid Transit and as it is only thirty minutes from Tara Street in the centre of the city it is easy to visit in an afternoon. The basement of the station is a popular pub called 'The Bloody Stream' where turf fires burn all year round and good seafood is served. The history of the bloody stream goes back to the days of viking settlement one thousand years ago and it is said that the river ran red with the blood of locals as it travelled down the hill before coming to the sea. If you are searching for legends and folklore Howth has more than it's fair share. The legendary pirate Queen Grace O'Malley paid a visit to Howth Castle and home to the St Lawrence family and famously took their son hostage when she wasn't given hospitality. Legend has it that the child was returned under the promise that a place would always be laid at the table for any weary visitor that should call. As the descendants have opened a culinary school now in the castle it may well be worth knocking on the door and seeing if the promise still holds. 

April and May are especially nice times to visit the castle environs as the Rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Howth Lighthouse and Ireland's Eye photo @Eamonn Blaney

The length of the West Pier is home to wonderful restaurants including The Oar House, The Brass Monkey and the one with the best view in Dublin, Aqua.

The view from the bar is spectacular for a pre dinner drink and chance to look over the fishing boats and eclectic mix of houses in the village. The view from the dining area is perfect to watch the evening sun disappear below the horizon. The menu is divine and I challenge anyone to try it - especially perfect for a birthday or special occasion.

 The yacht club and marina is one of the best in Ireland and as there is usually a breeze expect the gentle sound of halliards tipping against each other as you stroll down the east pier.

During the summer you can watch boats racing from Monday to Thursday. The yachts race around Ireland's Eye which is also accessible by hourly boat trips that run from spring until the late autumn.
Ireland's Eye is a glorious oasis and it is difficult to believe that it is so close to the city centre. It's a perfect place to bring children for a picnic on a sunny summer day.

My daughter Nicole and her friend at the Martello Tower on Ireland's Eye with picnic

Howth has many ancient buildings and one of the oldest is also one of the most famous bars in Dublin. The Abbey Tavern is also a great place to eat and entertainment is on offer year round. Next to is is one of the first buildings that is as old as the ruins of the old abbey itself. The pub has a great history hosting musical acts like the Dubliners, Imelda May and Mary Coughlan over the years and the link to the site is here http://www.abbeytavern.ie/

There is nowhere nicer on a cold winters night than to sit in from of the turf fire with a hot port or pint of Guinness. The pub also hosts comedy clubs which are always a great night out.
The centre of Howth Village is crowned by The Church of the Assumption which is a Neo-Gothic building. Wander around the country market or go for a coffee upstairs or down the road in the popular restaurant House which often has an excellent art exhibition decorating the walls.

Great takeaway coffees and yummy delicatessen on offer if you are on the hoof!

I can't write a piece about my home town without mentioning The Kind Sitric restaurant at the start of Howth's East Pier as it is where I had my small and intimate wedding reception. It has since been developed with the addition of East Bar and Cafe downstairs which is a welcome addition to the host of other eateries.

The King Sitric and East Cafe

House Restaurant

The seafront has a playground which is ideal for those with kids and do pop across the road to Eileen's Cafe where you can get yummy Pooh Bear Icecream - your kids will love you for it. If you want to be healthy then Grass Roots offers smoothies and healthy drinks but if you just want coffee then pop into Il Panorama! Casually dining is catered for with the best fresh fish and chips from Cafe Ciara or Beshoffs take aways. The Howth Market will put in an hour at weekends and you can purchase hot crepes and fresh olives among lots of other things from the artisan bakery and crafty stalls.

I think I may have to write another post as my hometown has so much to offer I am running out of time so watch this space for another instalment and if you are in Dublin then come and visit us in Howth, we would love to see you!

See HowthisMagic.com for more...