The Kenmare Food Carnival is one of those great ideas that you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.  Think of it: Kenmare is firmly established as a highlight on the gourmet’s tour of Ireland, so what better way to celebrate it than with a festival that showcases everything a foodie could wish for, from stellar restaurants to delectable bakeries.

 Launched in July 2012, the Kenmare Food Carnival highlights this small Kerry town’s status as one of Ireland’s food capitals, but without any of the exclusivity and snobbery that sometimes comes with gourmet dining.  The decision to call it a carnival was deliberate, emphasising the fun side of food and embracing everyone from kids to older people and chefs to weekend dinner-party warriors.

The carnival begins in mid-July, with a carnival parade and features retro-style funfairs, foodie treasure hunts, puppet shows, fancy dress, a teddy bears’ picnic, and a gala barbecue.  Get your taste buds tingling over the weekend with artisan markets, food demonstrations, tastings, workshops, and food forums, all accompanied by music on the streets.

Everybody eats, so you may as well do it well.  Discover just how wonderful the food produced in Ireland can be with a trip to Kenmare this July.  Complement great food with wonderful accommodation by booking accommodation in Kenmare with GoIreland.  Now you really can have your cake and eat it too.

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Killarney recently made the news as the most expensive place to stay in Ireland, with the average hotel priced at €101 per night, but sometimes you have to look behind the headlines to find the real story. Sure, you can shell out for high-priced hotels in Killarney - just as you can in any tourist town – but we’ll show you how to take that €101 and make it cover your hotel and a whole lot more.

Budget Beds

You don’t have to sleep in a bunk bed to save money on accommodation in Killarney.  We came across several attractive hotels offering rooms for a lot less than €101.  And if you prefer the cosiness and warm welcome on offer from our local B&Bs, you can pay even less.  Another attractive option for those who like to do their own thing is self-catering.  You can stay in a luxury Killarney holiday home  and use it as a base while you explore all this stunning location has to offer.  Take a look at the accommodation in Killarney on offer from GoIreland:  You’ll find exceptional choice, and the rates will come as a pleasant surprise.

See Killarney for Free

You don’t have to put your hand in your pocket at all to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you on every corner. Killarney National Park   extends over 100 km2 and is the kind of place best appreciated on foot or by bicycle.  The Muckross, Knockreer, and Ross Island sections are criss-crossed by well-surfaced paths that are perfect for walking and cycling, and if you prefer to get off the beaten track, the area is home to some of Ireland’s tallest and most spectacular mountains.  Maps and equipment are available locally.  The Knockreer and Ross Island areas of the park are just a short walk from the town centre, so you don’t even have to spend money on petrol.

Shop for Less

If you bring your car into town, you can park for free in the public car parks until 11a.m. and all day Sunday. At other times, the rate is just 60c or €1 per hour, depending on the car park.  Head to the Killarney Outlet Centre for bargains.  Here you’ll find discounted big-name brands like Nike, as well as cut-price books and art supplies, low-cost women’s fashions, and bargain outdoor equipment.

Cheap Eats

Now that you’ve saved money on your accommodation, seen the sights for nothing, and packed your car with bargain buys, it’s time to splash out on a delicious meal.  Good luck with that:  Some of the best food in Killarney is available for a lot less than you would expect.   On Glebe Lane, you’ll find Pay As You Please, a restaurant whose name gives you a fair idea of the owners’ pricing policy.  This quirky establishment is a cosy theatre of eclectic furniture, with mismatched chairs and tables, an ancient piano, and old movies projected onto one wall. Enjoy anything from soup in a bowl to fragrant pizza and succulent cakes. Tables are provided with jars in which you can leave what you think the experience was was worth, with suggested prices listed on the menu.

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Where to Stay

When you’ve spent the day with the wind (and, this being Ireland, probably the rain) in your face, you want to park your bike, warm up, eat well, and relax in comfortable surroundings.  It’s easy to find a hotel in Kerry to suit all those needs, but some Kerry accommodation providers go out of their way to make bikers happy.

Kenmare is the ideal base for a biking tour of Kerry, and SheenView B&B is a quality place to stay. The owners have been welcoming bikers for years, and they know all the best places for touring.  Indeed, they are so committed to their biker guests that they have even built an undercover lit parking area for your bikes! They also offer drying facilities. Other B&Bs and hotels that advertise facilities for bikers include Dillanes Farmhouse B&B in Tarbert, O’Gradys Townhouse B&B in Waterville, The Purple Heather B&B in the Gap of Dunloe, and the Randles Court Hotel in Killarney.

Kerry in Two Days

Mother Nature may have had bikers in mind when she designed Kerry: The main scenic areas are conveniently arranged so that you can ride out on a couple of day trips and take in the principal attractions over a weekend.

The Ring of Kerry

Day one could be spent touring the Ring of Kerry.  Start in Killarney or Kenmare and head 180km in an anti-clockwise loop, taking in Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin.  Highlights include Ladies View in Killarney National Park, Daniel “The Liberator” O’Connell’s Derrynane House, and views of the monastic Skellig Michael. Take a detour 15km from Killarney to experience the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow pass between the Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

The Dingle Peninsula

On your second day in Kerry, cross the Connor Pass to Dingle. This incredible road through the Brandon mountain range is extremely narrow, with great boulders jutting into it in places and the odd sheep skipping along it. There is a sheer drop to your right as you travel toward Dingle, and the views of the peninsula are breathtaking.  The only drawback for those on tight schedules is that the Connor Pass is frequently shrouded in mist, completely obliterating all those beautiful views, so if you can’t wait for the mist to lift, you will just have to return!

Once you get to Dingle, give yourself a half-day or more to appreciate the Slea Head drive, a loop that brings you along winding roads to the most westerly point in Europe and back to Dingle town. The views of the Atlantic and the Blasket Islands are quite simply stunning, so allow plenty of time for pulling over to take it all in. When you’re not soaking up the incredible scenery, you can visit any number of ancient sites, including the famous stone “beehive” huts, Gallarus Oratory, and the Reask monastic settlement.

Ireland Bikefest

There is no best time to visit Kerry, but if you’re free on the June bank holiday weekend, make a date for the Ireland Bikefest in Killarney.  Running since 2007, the event brings in the region of 30,00 bike enthusiasts to the Kerry town. The Bike Village is where the action takes place, with a technical area for servicing and diagnostics, a custom bike show, trade section, food, and entertainment.  It’s also the starting point for test rides and ride outs. If bikes are your passion, then the Bikefest is the place to be.

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The Cat Laughs comedy fest has been drawing the greatest comic talent to Kilkenny since 1995, becoming the event at which everybody wants to perform. Global names including George Wendt, Bill Murray, Jimmy Carr, Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Castellaneta have all played at the Cat Laughs, and the festival has also given a platform to such stellar Irish talent as Dara Ó Briain and Graham Norton.

This year’s festival will feature a special screening of the first two episodes of series two of Sky 1 HD’s award-winning comedy series Moone Boy, hosted by co-writer and star Chris O’Dowd, co-writer Nick Vincent Murphy, and cast members.

Anybody remember RTE’s unique satirical series Nighthawks? Well, Nighthawks star and quirky comedian Kevin McAleer will appear at the Cat Laughs with an exclusive set in Irish. It seems the Irish are a particularly funny lot, as more homegrown laughs are guaranteed from the likes of Dylan Moran, Neil Delamere, David Doherty, Colin Murphy, Andrew Maxwell, and Barry Murphy.

A new feature is a programme of events for younger audiences: The Kitten Club will run two shows daily at Rothe House, featuring Reuben from RTE and Australian comic Bec Hill. At the other end of the age spectrum, Old Masters will showcase the work of comic veterans. This year, the spotlight will be on legend Jimmy Cricket, with support from Dublin funny man Sil Fox.

With Scottish comic Kevin Bridges making one of his few 2013 appearances, 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander making his European debut, an International All Star Improv show, and an upcoming talent showcase called Wildcats, if you don’t die laughing at the Cat Laughs, you should check your pulse!

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Surfing

Donegal is pounded by some glorious waves, making it one of Ireland’s best destinations for surfers. Prime surfing sites include Inishowen and Fanad Head in the north of the county; Bloody Foreland, and Dungloe in the northwest; and – most famous of all – Rossnowlagh and Bundoran in south Donegal.

Blo-karting

Blo-karting is exactly what it sounds like – you sit on a kart and the wind blows you along. Well, it’s not quite that simple: You have to steer yourself along the beach using your sail and the wind. It’s great fun, and with Donegal receiving more than its fair share of wind, you’ll soon find yourself speeding along the sand with the wind in your ears. It’s a bit like surfing on dry land – no waves to shiver through.

Watersports on Lough Swilly

Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports School is a not-for-profit, community-owned-and-run establishment that promotes Lough Swilly among locals and visitors. It offers a range of sailing and kayaking courses for all ages and abilities, from morning taster sessions and week-long sailing courses to day-trips and midnight paddles. If you’ve never sailed before, Lough Swilly is the perfect place to learn, as it is pretty sheltered and there are few commercial boats to avoid.

Lough Swilly is also a location for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which is not as straightforward as you might think. Trying to maintain your balance on an oversized surfboard while progressing in a forward direction using only a long-handled paddle is like trying to carry a tray of eggs on a unicycle, but you’ll get the hang of it on one of the taster sessions. Admire the views while working on your abs (stand-up paddle boarding is great for building core strength because of the focus on balance). Adventure One offer SUP lessons during July and August in Rathmullan.

Rock Climbing

If you prefer to get your kicks on dry land, have a go at rock climbing in the Bluestacks and along Donegal’s rugged 1,150km coastline. Famous single and multi-pitch rock climbing sites include Sail Rock, Muckross Head, Sail Rock, Malin Beg, and the perennially popular Culdaff area. The accessible offshore islands of Aranmore, Cruit, Owey, and Gola offer any number of climbs on pristine golden granite. A relatively recent boost to Donegal’s enviable reputation as Ireland’s rock climbing capital is sea stack climbing. Inland the dramatic Blue Stack Mountains, and the areas around Lough Barra, and the Poisoned Glen in the Derryveagh Mountains offer great rock climbing opportunities for beginners and experts. Unique Ascent and MountainTraining.ie offer courses and guided coastal and mountain climbs.

Paragliding

For those who like to have fun in the sky, Bundoran has some of the best conditions in the country for paragliding. During the summer, the stunning Tullan Strand is perfect for ridge soaring, with an unobstructed onshore wind blowing at a consistent speed over the dunes, allowing paragliders to remain airborne. You can also go paragliding in the mountains. Travel to the Dartry Mountains, 13 km from Bundoran, and you could find yourself soaring 2,000 feet up after take-off.

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Ballisodare

About 8km from Sligo Town, just off the N4, you’ll find Ballisodare, a village that not only offers excellent salmon fishing but also maintains a strong connection with W. B. Yeats. Relatives owned flour mills in the village, and the poet spoke warmly of his visits here. One of his most famous poems, “Down by the Sally Gardens,” is probably set here.

Sligo Town

The Yeats Memorial Building, housed in a red-brick Victorian building on Hyde Bridge in the heart of Sligo Town, serves as the headquarters of the Yeats Society, the Yeats International Summer School, and the Sligo Art Gallery. You can listen to lectures, discover more about Yeats’s work, and admire the quirky bronze statue of the poet outside. Take time to walk around the town: You’ll discover references to the poet almost everywhere you look.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rosses Point

Yeats spent childhood summer holidays at his uncle’s home, Elsinore House at Rosses Point, Nothing but ruins remain of the house, which was built by the pirate Black Jack and reputed to be haunted by him. During his time holidaying on the Sligo coast, Yeats gathered stories from the locals, which he published as The Celtic Twilight in 1893, Take a stroll along the shoreline and you will understand how the stunning seascapes and the twin towering presences of Ben Bulben and Knocknarea inspired the poet, particularly in “The Stolen Child.”

Drumcliffe

Yeats’s maternal grandfather was the rector at Drumcliffe, site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the poet chose this idyllic spot as his final resting place. He died in the French town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in January 1939, but his remains were re-interred at Drumcliffe in 1948. Despite the pomp of the ceremony, which was attended by a large number of dignitaries, the grave itself is a simple affair, marked by a plain grey slab inscribed with the words: “Cast a cold Eye On Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lough Gill

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is one of Yeats’s most famous poems. See the place that inspired him to write “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree” with a trip to the shores of Lough Gill. You won’t be able to land on the island, but you can see it from the shore or take a boat trip from Parkes Castle.
 
 
 
 
 

Lissadell House

Yeats wrote in his memoirs of the grey stone walls of Lissadell, which his merchant grandfather would have seen from the town of Sligo, and which housed the aristocratic Gore-Booth family. Yeats later befriended the sisters, Constance and Eva Gore-Booth, and he stayed in Lissadell House in 1894.

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Stay in Style

From cheap and cheerful to stylish and stellar, Limerick City hotels have undergone an incredible transformation in recent years to offer you a comprehensive range of options whatever your budget and requirements.Take a romantic break in a boutique hotel in Limerick city, catch up with friends on a weekend break, or bring the family to experience the delights of Ireland’s Shannon region – whatever your reason for visiting, there’s a hotel in Limerick city for you.

Visit the Hunt Museum

Glittering among the granite buildings of downtown Limerick, the Hunt Museum houses a jewel.John and Gertrude Hunt were antiques dealers and advisors to collectors who amassed more than 2,000 works, from Bronze Age artefacts and medieval statues to paintings by Picasso and Renoir, creating one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from Neolithic times to the 20th Century.

See King John’s Castle

The subject of a €6 million refurbishment, King John’s Castle is the iconic heart of medieval Limerick.This 13th-century castle overlooking the mighty river Shannon is the focal point of Limerick’s historic area, showcasing 800 years of history brought to life.

Lunch in Style

After a morning’s sightseeing, revive with a delicious lunch.  The Cornstore Restaurant is a stylish Manhattan-style restaurant spread over three floors on Thomas Street.The atmosphere is casual but warm and friendly, and the menu focuses on locally sourced food, with an emphasis on seafood and steak. Also in the city centre is Aubars Bar & Bistro, warmly decorated with wood floors and panelling and offering an interesting selection of soups, salads, and tasty treats like faultless seafood chowder, Thai chicken skewers, and goat’s cheese crostini.

Shop

Suitably refueled, it’s time to hit the shops. Limerick has thoughtfully pedestrianised many of its main shopping areas, so you can browse in comfort.  The best streets for shopping are Cruises Street and O’Connell Street (home to a large and tempting branch of the Brown Thomas chain of department stores).  International chains are well represented in Limerick city, with outlets of Next, Boots, River Island, Thorntons, Champion Sports, Wallis, and New Look, among others, but you will also find interesting independent shops if you explore. Have a wander around the stalls at the Milk Market, a daily market at the corner of Ellen Street and Wickham Street.

Go to Thomond Park

If shopping is not your thing, you might enjoy a trip to Thomond Park, the home of Munster Rugby, and an exciting place to be on match day, as well as a great venue for big-name concerts.Even if there’s no action underway, you can visit the Munster Experience Museum for insights into the history of Munster Rugby and the stadium.

Catch a Show

University Concert Hall, on the University of Limerick campus, is the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland.Try to catch a gig or a play while you’re here, as this intimate venue is universally acclaimed for the quality of the performances.

Have a Drink

Limerick is the home of rugby, so it’s no surprise that rugby pubs are pretty popular here.  Try Peter Clohessy’s Bar on Howleys Quay, a big pub with a nightclub downstairs called (appropriately enough) the Sin Bin.  On the Dock Road, you’ll find Dolans pub and restaurant, which plays live music nightly during high season. On a fine evening, watch the world go by from a table at The Locke, on George’s Quay. A highly recommended traditional pub is Michael Flannery’s Bar on Denmark Street, which manages to combine old world with contemporary without feeling tacky.

Dine Out Deliciously

If you’re looking for a dose of Irish comfort food served in a friendly atmosphere, look no further than Freddy’s Bistro on Theatre Lane, just off Lower Glentworth Street.Test their claim to serve the best fish and chips in town – you won’t be disappointed.  For exquisite French food in a cosy setting, reserve The French Table, on Steamboat Quay.Traditional Italian food is served in relaxed, welcoming surroundings at Casa Nostra on Mount Kenneth Place.The Sardinian specialties are recommended.

Make Plans for Your Return Visit to Limerick!

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Festivals

Leenane Mountain Walking Festival

Take to the hills of Leenane on the May bank holiday weekend with walks to suit everyone from the casual stroller to the veteran hiker.  Each day offers a selection of at least three walks, from low level to strenuous, and there are guided cycles if you prefer to travel on two wheels.  Popular walks include Mweelrea Mountain and the Devil’s mother, Maameen.

Conamara Bog Week

Conamara Bog Week is billed as a music festival, but it is actually an all-embracing celebration of the Connemara landscape involving traditional music and dancing, cycling, and walking.  Taking place in Letterfrack late May and early June, Conamara Bog Week offers fun for all ages, adding that hint of madness that makes this region magic.

Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival

Expert guides Michael Gibbons & Gerry McCluskey present Connemara in a completely new light during each of four Connemara walking festivals scheduled to showcase the region during the different seasons.  You will discover the unique cultural, archaeological, and historic heritage of this wonderful landscape on walks designed to suit everyone from beginners to advanced.  All you need are good walking boots.

Western Way

Walk the 66km linear Western Way and you will experience the wilderness of County Galway in an unforgettable way.  Beginning in the famous fishing town of Oughterard on Lough Corrib, the route follows the western edge of the lake northward into a spectacularly untouched landscape of mountain and bog as far as the village of Maam Bridge. This is where Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo planned the modern roads of Connemara in the early 19th century. From Maam Bridge, the route crosses the rugged Maumturk Mountains before descending into the lovely Inagh Valley and winding its way between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks, across a melancholy landscape once populated by cottiers, to reach the shores of Killary Harbour and the idyllic village of Leenane. Plan well, as accommodation is limited along the route.

Looped Walks

If the Western Way sounds a bit long and a bit linear for you, there are any number of looped walks in County Galway for you to choose from.  Clonbur loop walk offers views of Lough Mask through a landscape of mixed woodland.  Diamond Hill loop walk brings you through the fascinating landscape of Connemara.  You are not restricted to the mainland, either:  The islands off Galway’s coast offer some eye-opening walking experiences.  Try the Cloonamore, Middlequarter, and Westquarter loop walks on Inishbofin, an island of 14th century monastic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning Atlantic coastal scenery.  Loop walks on the Aran Islands include Lub Ceathru an Locha and Lub Ceathru an Phoillin on Inis Oírr; and  Lúb Cill Cheannannach, Lúb Dún Chonchúr, and Lúb Dún Fearbhaí on Inis Meáin.

Equipment

Forgot to bring your woolly hat?  Need to stock up on waterproofing?  Don’t worry – Galway City has several excellent outdoor supplies shops where you can buy whatever you need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day out in the wilds of County Galway.  River Deep Mountain High is a specialist supplier of outdoor sporting equipment in the Cornstore on Middle Street.  Ireland’s largest outdoor retail chain, Portwest, has an outlet on High Street.  The staff at Great Outdoors on Eglinton Street are very knowledgeable and helpful, and the range of clothing and equipment is pretty comprehensive.

So now that you’ve got the events, the routes, and the equipment, it’s high time you booked your hotel in County Galway and got moving!

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You’ll forget you’re in the middle of a busy city when you’re engulfed by the sights and smells of thousands of flowers and plants.  Blooming Baskets turns the pergola attached to the exterior wall of the OPW Walled Garden into a vibrant fragrant tunnel with dozens of lavish summer flowering hanging baskets.  The Floral Marquee celebrates Ireland’s best plant and floral nurseries, with a stunning selection of plants and flowers for sale. There is even a complimentary plant creche where you can leave your purchases while you continue your Bloom experience

Visit the OPW Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, restored to its original layout and now lined with  formal box parterre, herbaceous borders, lavender hedges, displays of fruit and vegetables, trained fruit trees, and vivid summer displays.   Feeling inspired but need some guidance?  Head to the Expert Stage, where you can get great tips and advice from leading experts in horticulture, gardening, and floristry.

For something completely different, watch tree climbers compete against the clock in a dramatic spectacle of agility, speed, and balance high above your head.  Not one for vertigo sufferers!

Bloom is more than just a feast for the eyes.  Bord Bia’s Food Village showcases the Irish food and drinks industry, offering mouthwatering displays of fruit and vegetables and giving visitors the chance to sample and buy a wide range of artisan food and beverages. Celebrity chefs will get your taste buds working with a full programme of cookery demonstrations using Bord Bia Quality Assured products and the best local ingredients.

And if all this is music to your ears, you should also enjoy the lineup of entertainment on the main stage, where artists will perform everything from classical to jazz and both Irish and alternative traditional music.

So, for a full feast for the senses for all the family (kids go free!), come to the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre this June bank holiday weekend and discover what’s in Bloom this summer.  With some 80,000 visitors expected to attend, book your hotel in Dublin in plenty of time.  GoIreland has a full range of quality accommodation for you to choose from, so you can arrive at the event fresh as a daisy.

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If you want to see The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour on Saturday May 11th or Sunday May 12th, you’d better have a ticket tucked safely away, as both shows are completely sold out.  This is the first full-time tour Beyoncé has embarked upon since her I Am World Tour in 2009, but this one promises to be even bigger and bolder than her last extravaganza – and that was pretty spectacular, drawing more than 1.1 million fans to more than 100 shows in 32 countries.

Ticket secured, accommodation should be next on your agenda:  GoIreland has hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering across the city and outside Dublin, whether you want a room with enough bling to satisfy the queen of pop, or you’re looking for simpler Dublin accommodation.

Beyoncé is one of modern pop’s biggest female icons, releasing four No. 1 solo albums to date and selling more than 75 million copies across the globe.  Now just 31, she has already earned 16 Grammy Awards, as well as the accolade of Billboard’s Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000’s.  She was also named Top Certified Artist of the last decade by the Recording Industry Association of America.

How does she do it? Beyoncé simply has an insatiable desire to entertain.  She combines charisma, energy, and incredible musical talent to put on a show you will never forget.  So if you do have a ticket for Beyonce in the O2 Dublin on May 11th or 12th, count yourself lucky – but don’t be surprised if she sucks the power out of the stadium after she leaves the stage!

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