Monday, April 7, 2025

Indulge in Luxury with a Gourmet Getaway at Cahernane House Hotel

 Press Releases #hotelsspring25

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Indulge in Luxury with a Gourmet Getaway at Cahernane House Hotel

Chef Cormac Vesey

 

Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, invites you to indulge in the ultimate culinary retreat with their exclusive Gourmet Getaway package, perfectly blending luxurious accommodation, exceptional dining, and the finest local flavours. Set on its own private and mature grounds, and within walking distance of Killarney Town Centre, Cahernane House Hotel exudes the charm of a majestic and historic manor house.

 

Guests can enjoy an opulent one-night stay for 2 people starting from €325 or a two-night stay with breakfast for 2 people, starting from €752. The package also includes a generous €60 dining credit per person, redeemable at either Herbert’s Brasserie or The Cellar Bar, ensuring a fabulous dining experience tailored to every taste.

 

Herbert’s Brasserie delivers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience with seasonal, locally sourced dishes crafted by Head Chef Cormac Vesey and his talented team. Cormac’s focus on food provenance and seasonal ingredients lies at the heart of everything he does and is the cornerstone of his cooking.  “Great dishes start with great flavours; it’s my job to make the ingredients sing; it’s not my job to overcomplicate great produce. I don’t subscribe into the idea that there must be all of these extra flourishes such as gels and foams to make a dish impressive, great food doesn’t need that.  I like to start from the beginning, and to look and see what’s in season.  What’s growing now is going to be the very, very best thing on your plate.  It’s incredible how something as simple as a spring cabbage or a carrot can become something extraordinary with careful and thoughtful cooking. Ingredients don’t need to be pimped up and made into something they aren’t they just need to be complemented and matched carefully and thoughtfully”

 

For a more casual experience, The Cellar Bar serves light bites from 1pm to 5pm and a hearty evening menu from 5pm to 9pm. Whether you’re stopping by for a midday snack or enjoying a full dinner, the welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind.

 

Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a relaxing retreat or marking a special occasion,  a stay at Cahernane House Hotel promises an unparalleled luxury experience amidst the stunning backdrop of Killarney's natural beauty.

Cahernane House Hotel has several electric vehicle charging points on site, which is available for guests to use complimentary.  For more information, please visit www.cahernane.com or call +353 (0) 64 663 1895.


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Ryan O’Sullivan at The River Lee –
a culinary homecoming


The River Lee welcomes home chef Ryan O’Sullivan, winner of Hell’s Kitchen US and the first-ever Irish champion of the globally renowned competition. 

On Monday, April 28th, in the elegant surroundings of The Mirror Room, experience an exclusive five-course menu created by Ryan in collaboration with The River Lee’s Executive Head Chef Paul Lane. 

Showcasing the finest local produce combined with Ryan’s signature flair, the menu is full of bold flavours and creative techniques, all perfectly paired with selected wines for a delicious evening of dining, with a side helping of storytelling.

This special evening is a celebration of world-class cooking and local roots, as Ryan returns to The River Lee where he originally honed his skills. From the indulgent roast lobster bisque to the delicate balance of wild Atlantic halibut with crab & caviar beurre blanc, each dish reflects the refined style and passion for great ingredients that both Ryan and Executive Chef Paul Lane share.

An evening with Ryan O’Sullivan

Monday, April 28th, 7pm

The Mirror Room, The River Lee

€125 per person (includes five-course menu & paired wines)


Book now via https://sevn.ly/xUctXiUn

The River Lee, Western Road, Cork, T12 X2AH



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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 BenedictPancakes 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 18th. 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 20th, 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.


A high-altitude low-priced Tempranillo. This Merinas Old Vine Wine is Very Highly Recommended.

Merinas Old Vine Tempranillo 2022, 13.50% ABV


€12.95 at Bradleys.


A high-altitude low-priced Tempranillo. Very Highly Recommended.



This easy-drinking Tempranillo boasts an intense black cherry colour. It is supple on the palate, offering a fresh taste filled with dark fruit flavours (cherry, raspberry). The pleasant, juicy fruit, with a bit of spice in there, continues to shine through a lengthy finish. According to the producers, it is a versatile, medium-bodied food wine that pairs excellently with tapas, grilled meats, and pasta.


It is produced from organically farmed vineyards in Uclés (Castile, Spain). The vineyards are nestled deep within the land of The Mesta (formerly a powerful alliance of shepherds who controlled the “cañadas", rights of way for their sheep, paths that still exist in this area dotted with ancient oak trees). 


Even though Irish consumers primarily associate Tempranillo with Rioja, it is grown widely throughout Spain. Merinas, as you’ve probably guessed, means sheep.


The term "Old Vine" typically refers to grapevines that are usually over 30 years old, with some being even older. Although older vines tend to produce less fruit, they often yield more concentrated flavours. This winery is situated in the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) of Madrid. However, the wine does not have a D.O. stamp and is simply labeled as a Product of Spain.

Friday, April 4, 2025

A brief visit to the Tom Crean brewery in Kenmare plus review of their St Brigid’s Lager

 A brief visit to the Tom Crean brewery in Kenmare

 plus….review of their St Brigid’s Lager



The hardworking husband and wife team of Aileen O’Brien-Crean (Tom’s granddaughter) and husband Bill have made sustainability a priority from day one at their Tom Crean Family Brewery in Kenmare. 


In those early days, Bill delivered the beers around the town with a handcart. Now that they have expanded a bit, they have a low-emission jeep for that job. They use shutters (French style) to help regulate the temperature in the building and also have solar panels on the roof. Their motto is "to make a beer that won't cost the earth."

Thursday, April 3, 2025

One Delightful Summery Day in Kenmare and Killarney

One Delightful Summery Day in Kenmare and Killarney 

Tom Crean Brewery - Maison Gourmet - National Park - The Lake Hotel

Ladies View, Killarney


Highlights: stunning views, strawberry tart, brewery visit


Muckross House Glasshouse


Muckross House
Glasshouse
With a stroke of luck, we landed in the Kingdom of Kerry on a summer’s day in March, a true “pet” day. Just the one day, though, but we were glad we had switched our booking at the Lake Hotel from Thursday to Tuesday as we relaxed on the balcony with a glass (of water - they have cool water stations at each level) and enjoyed the stunning views over the lakes.


Later, at dinner, we would see a small bunch of deer run across the lawn just outside, in the twilight. I think they may have been upset by a jogger coming up behind them. We, too, were a bit upset because the hotel could not fit us in, except at a very late time, for an evening meal in the main dining room, the fine-dining Castlelough. As we heard later, we weren’t the only couple with that particular problem, even though our booking had been DB&B.