A major tourism promotional opportunity had been secured for the Shanon Rgion as six radio stations from all over Northern Ireland broadcasted live from the Shannon Region from Sunday 25th to Friday 30th April ‘10. The initiative was being organised by Shannon Development, and thanks to it over one million people in Northern Ireland will have an opportunity to hear about County Clare as a holiday destination. As part of this Malachi Cush, well kown presenter gives an account of his eventful week in the Shannon Region.....
My visit to Ireland’s Shannon Region April Sun 25th April – Fri April 30th 2010
By Malachi Cush
The Shannon Regions covers Co. Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and South Offaly and I recently enjoyed a wonderful break in the region, here I bring you some of the highlights of my trip.
If you haven’t already made holiday plans for 2010 I would highly recommend the Shannon Region!
South Offaly
I arrived in Birr, Co. Offaly at 8pm on Sunday evening and booked into the beautiful 4*County Arms hotel www.CountyArmsHotel.com. After the drive down I had a well deserved drink in the hotel’s Trilogy Bar and met with some of the locals and visitors to the hotel who had just returned from an evening in Birr Theatre www.BirrTheatre.com.
On Monday morning after a hearty Irish breakfast and a chat with the hotel owner Willie Loughnane I hit the road for a day of exploration around South Offaly.
Joined by my colleague Damien Devenney and some representatives from Shannon Development (the tourism agency for the Shannon Region) our first stop was Ardmore House, Kinnitty where the owner Christina Byrnes served Tea and delicious home made scones. Christina offers a relaxing country break in a lovely stone house which is set in a beautiful 2-acre private garden with views onto the Slieve Bloom Mountains www.Kinnitty.com. There are a host of activities to chose from locally; from walking trails, great festivals, horse-trekking, golfing, falconry and just 6 miles from Kinnitty is Ireland's most haunted Castle Leap Castle.
Our next step was Birr Castle Demesne where I had the great pleasure of getting a guided tour of the magnificent gardens with Lord Rosse. Birr Castle Demesne is also home to Irelands Historic Science Centre and the Great Telescope www.BirrCastle.com. By lunch time I had worked up a good appetite and the Thatch Bar and Restaurant located just outside Birr did not disappoint. This characterful little thatched pub and restaurant shows just how pleasing a genuine, well-run country pub can be. Des Connole, proprietor since 1991, has achieved a well-earned reputation for the immaculate maintenance and atmosphere of the pub, and both bar food and restaurant meals offer generous portions for a reasonable price.
To stretch the legs and maybe walk off a few of those extra pounds gained at the Thatch Bar & Restaurant for lunch we headed for Banagher Marina. There we met with Barbara Smyth of Silverline Cruisers who told me all about the wonderful sites and stops that a self drive cruise on the Shannon has to offer. I will definitely be making a booking this summer www.SilverlineCruisers.com. I also met with Brendiana O’Meara of Shannon Adventure Canoeing (090 9751411) and Brian Craffey or Bird Watch Ireland www.BirdWatchIreland.ie
One of the day’s highlights was a walk around the Lough Boora Sculpture Park with our guide for the walk, Tom Egan www.LoughBooraParklands.com
After a great day of sight seeing and eating we headed for home or least our home away from home for the night! We stayed just outside the beautiful village of Terryglass on the shores of Lough Derg in North Tipperary for a very comfortable nights sleep in Tir na Fiuise cottages which is run by Niall Heenan www.CountryCottages.ie. We were delighted to see a fully stocked fridge on arrival, all we needed to cook ourselves a delightful full Irish Breakfast in the morning. And, we didn’t hit the pillow just yet; we enjoyed a scrumptious meal in the Derg Inn and of course a night cap with the locals and the owners Mick and Joyce Sugden www.DergInn.ie.
After a great nights sleep my culinary skills were put to the test at Tir na Fiuise, where I cooked up what I can only call a storm for breakfast! Joining me for breakfast was Declan Collisson of Lough Derg House, Dromineer which made a change for Declan who is usually the one cooking breakfast for his guests. Once a barge store Lough Derg House is now a beautifully renovated stone building, providing six en suite four person rooms with views of the marina and Dromineer Harbour, situated in the lakeside village of Dromineer,popular with sailors and walkers www.LoughDergHouse.com.
While it was a little early for a drink I couldn’t pass Paddy’s Bar and Restauant without calling in for a quick chat with the owner of this charming little bar and restaurant Mairead Tierney who was only too delighted to give me a run down on the history of the bar, well worth a visit! www.Paddysbar.ie
On route to Nenagh we had a quick stop at Coolbawn Quay Lakeshore Spa, which is nestled quietly on the eastern shores of Lough Der. Coolbawn Quay Lakeshore Spa is a unique private village resort offering the perfect place to escape and unwind in luxury and tranquility, for a pampering weekend break, or longer stay. I’ll be back!! www.CoolbawnQuay.com
Our first stop in Nenagh was the Country Choice delicatessen where I met the owner Peter Ward. Country Choice has gained a natural profile for selling fresh home made food, including real hams, organic vegetables, wholemeal breads, farmhouse butter and ripe cheese. My treat for the morning was a mouth watering berry crumble. www.CountryChoice.ie
From there it was onwards to the Nenagh Heritage Centre where we enjoyed an educational tour of the centre and heard stories of condemned prisoners of the past. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Nora O’Meara of the Genealogy Centre which provides a family history research service for clients whose ancestors originated in North Tipperary www.Nenagh.ie.
Now you might be beginning to think that all I done was eat during my visit to the Shannon Region but I assure you that all the sites and fresh air made for hungry work, so it was now on to Larkins Pub in Garrykennedy. Charmingly situated on the picturesque shores of Lough Derg at Garrykennedy, Portroe, the Georgina Campbell recognised Larkin's Bar and Restaurant is without doubt one of the finest dining locations in Tipperary www.LarkinsPub.com.
It was then back on the road in the direction of Farney Castle - Farney Castle is the home, design studio and retail outlet of Irish International Designer, Cyril Cullen, and it is the only Round Tower in Ireland occupied as a family home. It was a most enjoyable and interesting visit and one that I would highly recommend.
My next stop was Inch House Restaurant and Guesthouse in Thurles, Tipperary. The Egan family have restored Inch House into an elegant and peaceful location, while the restaurant has built an excellent reputation for itself over the past 20 years. Far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life Inch House offers a uniquely luxurious experience, combining the best elements of country living and cooking with all of the comforts afforded by the 18th century gentry who built this elegant home. A real hidden gem! www.Inchhouse.ie. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Pierce Duggan owner of the Castle Country House B&B which promises its guests an unforgettable experience.
My last stop for the day was at Holy Cross Abbey in Thurles. Those who have the opportunity to visit this ancient site will no doubt be touched by its spiritual, religious and historic heritage, it was a great finish to a great day.
That evening we made our way to Bunratty in Co. Clare where we had an overnight stay in the Bunratty Castle Hotel and Luxury Spa. The Hotel has been restored to its rightful position as one of the most intimate and charming hotels in the west of Ireland www.BunrattyCastleHotel.com. And we had an amazing dinner at JP Clarkes Restaurant; a rustic country pub on reclaimed sandstone floors, timber beams with brick and stone walls www.GallaghersofBunratty.com.
I didn’t make it on this trip but when in Bunratty, a Banquet at the Bunratty Castle and a visit to the Bunratty Castle Folk Park is a must – I have great memories from my last visit www.ShannonHeritage.com
I had an early start the next morning when I met lots of Festivals and Events organisers from around the Shannon Region, there is so much going on from the Ennis Book Club Festival and Ennis Fashion Week in Co. Clare; Great Sporting events in Limerick such as the Special Olympics and the JP Mc Manus Pro Am; the Terryglass Arts Festival in Tipperary and Birr Vintage Week in Offaly. Be sure to get your hands on a copy of the Shannon Region Festivals and Events Guide by contacting one of the regions Tourist Information Offices or you can download a copy from www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie
Another highlight from the trip was our visit to Thomond Park. The newly redeveloped stadium is not only where all Munster's Heineken Cup home matches are played but also incorporates a state of the art interactive museum and guided stadium tour which is a real treat for all rugby fans. Here I experienced the history and story of Munster’s famous wins, including their two Heineken Cup wins in 2006 and 2008, and their win over the mighty All Blacks in 1978 www.ThomondPark.ie.
From there it was onwards to the Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick where we enjoyed some delicious cookies and coffee and met with many of Limerick’s tourism operators including:
Dawn Quinn of the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium which is due to open in October 2010 – one to watch out for!
Caroline Rigney, Proprietor of Rigney’s B&B, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick www.RigneysFarm.com.
Rigney’s is a luxury farmhouse Bed and Breakfast located on the scenic N69 driving route in West County Limerick. Rigney’s are also a genuine working rare breed farm where guests can gain firsthand experience of family life on a traditional Irish farm. Wake up to the aroma of fresh baked bread that is part of the extensive breakfast menu and to the smell of Caroline’s award winning Sausages and Black and White Puddings as recommended in the prestigious Bridgestone Guides.
Sinead Shanahan, Proprietor of Stonehall Visitor Farm, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick www.StoneHallVisitorFarm.com. Located in a tranquil and beautiful rural setting, this tourist attraction allows the visitor to experience first-hand the enjoyment and fun of a wide variety of farm and exotic animals in a secure and pleasant setting.
Anthony Sheehy who offers guided walking tours of Askeaton Medieval Village, Co. Limerick t: 061 392149. The medieval village of Askeaton (on the scenic N69 driving route), was once a stronghold of the Munster Geraldines, the Anglo-Norman Earls of Desmond. Today, the impressive ruins of Askeaton Castle dominate the town. Askeaton’s Hellfire Club dating back to the 17th Century and the ruins of the well preserved 14th Century Franciscan Friary are also special features of the village. A well equipped leisure complex and a service facility for camper vans are among the amenities available to visitors. Local guide Anthony Sheehy conducts tours of the town by appointment or through Askeaton Tourist Information Point.
I also had a chat with Sean Lally General Manager of the Strand Hotel - offering 4 Star luxury in Limerick City www.StrandHotellimerick.ie
From here it was onto the Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick for a delectable lunch; I could hardly make my way around the museum for the wonderful tour afterwards I was so full ; which might have had something to do with the 3 deserts I managed to squeeze in! The Hunt Museum houses the important art collection of the late John and Gertrude Hunt gifted to the people of Ireland, and now housed in the former Custom House of Limerick - a handsome riverside building dating to the eighteenth century. The Museum operates a rolling programme of exhibitions which reflects it engaging outreach programme and also art and decorative exhibitions annually of national significance www.HuntMuseum.com.
My next stop was the Sports Arena at the University of Limerick, which is an extremely impressive facility. This year the university of Limerick Sports Arena will play host to the Special Olympics June 9th – June 13th www.universityArena.com
And from here it was on the beautiful Castleoaks House Hotel, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick for yet some more tea and scones. The Proprietor Gobnait O’Connell brought us on a stroll of part of the picturesque grounds. The hotel is set on 26 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Shannon www.castleoaks.ie
Before departing the hotel I met with Peter O’Donnell, founder of Photo Days, Newgarden, Lisnagry, Co. Limerick www.thewidereye.com. Peter offers one day, one to one workshops in photography. And I also met with Shane Dunne of Ballyhoura Failte who spoke to me about all the great adventures on offer in Ballyhoura Limerick from mountain biking to Clay Pigeon shooting to name but a few www.BallyhouraCountry.com.
The final stop of the day was at the Irish Harp Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Castleconnell, Limerick where we met with Janet Harbison the founder of the centre and had the great pleasure of experiencing a recital www.IrishHarpCentre.com.
After a long but fun packed day we hit the road to Spanish Point in Co. Clare to overnight at the Armada Hotel. I was thrilled to learn that I was booked into the tranquility suite which has the most stunning, sweeping views across the Atlantic ocean. The Armada hotel is located on the beautiful coastline of County Clare and close to some of Ireland's most visited sites to include the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. For golfers, the renowned Doonbeg Golf course and Lahinch course are situated nearby. Some of which I was lucky enough to fit into my tour of the Shannon Region. www.BurkesArmadaHotel.com
Thursday began with an early start but nothing like the fresh breeze of the Atlantic to dust off the cobwebs! The first Stop of the day was the stunning Cliffs of Moher, now in the running to become one of the new 7 wonders of the world. I would encourage anyone to visit and see why these spectacular cliffs have earned their place in this world wide competition. Your vote would also be great! www.CliffsofMoher.ie
I also met with some tourism operators when I visited the cliffs and their products are on my ‘to do list’ for my next visit to the region. Joan from Doolin2Aran Ferries was delighted to tell me all about the wonderful boat trips she has on offer to the Aran Islands www.Doolin2AranFerries.com; Helen Browne of Doolin Cave gave an amazing account of the 20 feet great stalactite at Doolin Cave, an experience I will definitely not miss out on for my next visit www.DoolinCave.ie
From here we went on the one of the most stunning locations I have ever visited, the Doonbeg Golf and Spa Resort, words really wont do this place justice, it really is a must visit location; maybe one for a special occasion or just a treat and I was delighted when Ray Kearney, the marketing manager informed me that there are some great deals on offer!! www.DoonbegGolfClub.com
Next stop was the Seaside resort of Kilkee, again it was wonderful to feel the fresh Atlantic breeze but unfortunately I didn’t have the time to fit in a surfing lesson. We had a stop at the Stand restaurant and guesthouse where we met the proprietor Johnny Redmond; the Redmond family have been in the business of catering for visitors to Kilkee for over 160 years www.theStrandKilkee.com. I also had the opportunity to meet with Luke Aston of the Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre, located on the south side of the Loop head peninsula, where the Shannon Estuary meets the rich fishing grounds of Ireland’s South West coast. The Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre runs a purpose built Lochin 366 called the Clare Dragoon and with accommodation in Glencarrig guest house, offers great fishing packages for up to 8 fisherman at a time www.FishandStay.com. Before departing Kilkee I had the pleasure of meeting with Flan Garvey of the Clare Tourist Council www.Clare.ie
It was then onwards to the market town of Kilrush for some delicious lunch at Crotty’s Pub, where we were warmly welcomed by proprietor Rebecca Brew www.CrottysPubKilrush.com. With our belly’s full we headed down to the Kilrush Marina and heard about the wonders of Dolphin Watching www.DiscoverDolphins.ie / www.DolphinWatch.ie and we also had the opportunity to hear about the beautiful Vandeleur Walled Gardens www.VandeleurWalledGarden.ie
Our last stop in Co. Clare was the town of Ennis, a picturesque market town with winding streets and lovely small shops www.Clare.ie. We enjoyed a tour of the fantastic auditorium at Glor Irish Music Centre and here we met with Glor’s director Katie Verling who highlighted many wonderful gigs that are lined up for the summer www.glor.ie.
Now almost at the end of my stay in the Shannon Region, I left Co. Clare and headed for Limerick City to overnight in the luxurious 4 star Absolute Hotel www.AbsoluteHotel.com and spent the evening being entertained at Dolan’s Warehouse where I also enjoyed a delightful meal www.DolansPub.com.
I headed for home on Friday morning after a fantastic break in Irelands Shannon Region, one that I would highly recommend, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. You will find great accommodation deals for the Shannon Region on www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie
I’m already looking forward to my next visit!!
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903