Pandemic or Recession, the Blair Boys never shirk a challenge

 Pandemic or Recession, the Blair Boys never shirk a challenge 

The Blairs Boys never shirk a challenge. Their family owned country inn near Cloghroe has, like many restaurants, been ambushed and battered by pandemics and rising costs, yet Duncan and Richie have come up fighting, still cooking and serving the good stuff, seasonal comforting food these bleak December days.

But leave your bleakness at the door, as they do. Lots of smiles and chats in here as regulars know. And of course they have craft beer, a full menu of it. Indeed, they were one of the pioneers (not the kind with the badge) of local beer, matching it with their local produce. On the current list, brewers such as West Kerry, Blacks of Kinsale, West Cork Brewing and 9 White Deer are highlighted.

The Stag Gluten Free Stout by 9 White Deer has been a big hit here over the years and was one of our drinks during the visit. The other was their Kölsch, a summer favourite of ours. Not summer now but the Blairs fire was warm and the beer went down a treat. Also spotted the new 9 White Deer Export Stout 7.4% (Stout Aged in Blackwater whiskey casks in West Waterford) and that came home with us. We were advised to hold on to it for a while!

We had arrived just as they opened at 1.00pm last Thursday and so did quite a few others and Christmas was very much in the air when a large group of customers came together. And there was plenty of warming food to choose from.

Starters included Soup of the Day with Potato Flatbread; Tartlet of Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, creamed leeks and a beetroot chutney; and Garlic Wild Mushrooms with potato flatbreads. Our pick, available in small and large portions, was the West Cork Whiskey Wings with a Cashel Blue dip and potato flatbreads. Superb flavours from a warming dish ideal for the zero degree weather outside in the valley.

Mains on offer included Roast Half Chicken with all the trimmings including roasties; Angus Beef Burger with cheese, gherkins and house sauce and with skin-on wedges; Roast stuffed loin of Timoleague Pork with all the trimmings with roasties of course!; a seasonal Veggie Pie, topped with Cheddar cheese mash; Thai Green Chicken Curry with steamed rice.

My pick was the Cottage Pie of ground beef topped with creamy mash and a side salad, another comforting warm blast against the cold! But I think, on the basis of a spoon or two, that CL was the winner here with a tempting looking Fisherman's Pie of fresh fish topped with smoked Hegarty’s Cheese and dill mash. It looked tempting mostly because, unusually, the chunky fish pieces were floating around an island of the tasty mash. Something different but very satisfying indeed. Just like everything else on the menu, this was comfort food at its best, perfect for the weather this time of year.

This one came home!

Finished off with a chat with the brothers and wished them luck for the months ahead. But those two know you make your own luck where the main ingredient is hard work. Their loyal local customers know that too and, combined, that’s a solid foundation for whatever pestilence or economic woe that may (or may not) lie around the corner.

‘GIFT A MEMORY’ WITH THE HELP OF LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY

 Hotel Latest

Press release

‘GIFT A MEMORY’ WITH THE HELP OF 

LYRATH ESTATE, KILKENNY

Sometimes the most special Christmas gifts are the ones where you press pause and take time out with a special someone.  Gift a memory to that someone special this festive season. The team at Lyrath Estate have carefully curated a selection of gift ideas, including luxury accommodation options, relaxing spa treatments and delicious dining experiences.

Lyrath Estate offer lots of dining options, including Yew Restaurant, Tupper’s Bar or The Grill, a lively bistro serving the best steaks, burgers, and lobster in town. The latest addition to the estate is Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Room, an eclectic and glamourous drawing room located in the original Manor House. Here, you can enjoy Afternoon Tea which includes delicate handmade pastries and savoury treats accompanied by a variety of fragrant, botanical teas.

Speaking of fragrance… Lyrath Estate has just launched a new signature candle and room mist, created bespoke for the estate by La Bougie of Kinsale. These fragrances are inspired by the botanicals of Lyrath Estate, giving guests the opportunity to take home a little piece of the estate upon departure.

Here’s a roundup of our favourite gift ideas from Lyrath Estate, located on the doorstep of Kilkenny.

Winter Warmer midweek two-night package- From €520 (for two people)

The Lyrath Estate Winter Warmer, midweek offer features two nights bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening and afternoon tea for two all from just €520 for two people.  Valid for selected dates until March 2023

Dinner for Two at Yew Restaurant From €100 (for two people)

Enjoy a four-course evening meal for two people at Lyrath Estate’s renowned 2 AA Rosette Yew Restaurant. Whatever the occasion, Yew Restaurant is a unique dining experience. Enjoy exceptional cuisine, excellent service and stunning views over the Estate.

Weekend Deluxe Pamper Me Package with Afternoon Tea- (From €120pps)

What could easily be described as the perfect day starts in the award-winning Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate. The ‘Deluxe Pamper Me Package’ begins with one hour of relaxation in the Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy Pool and this is followed by a 50-minute spa treatment from a selection of options. Once you have been thoroughly pampered it’s time for some treats. Retire to Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Room for a delicious Lyrath Estate Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea - (From €40 per person)

Served in Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Room in the original Manor House, Afternoon Tea at Lyrath Estate is a real treat.  Experience savoury delicacies, intricate pastry creations and delightful sips from your choice of botanical teas. The perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon with friends and loved ones.

Bed & Breakfast for Two – (From €185 for two people)

Experience all the luxury Lyrath Estate has to offer with an overnight stay for two in a Deluxe Bedroom, including full Irish breakfast. This great gift idea offers the opportunity to relax in the elegant surroundings of Lyrath Estate Hotel which is located on the doorstep of Kilkenny.

 

Falconry Experience – Fly and Stay (From €405 for two people, for one night)

If you are looking for an unusual gift, then choose a falconry experience at the Hawkeye School of Falconry on the grounds of Lyrath Estate.  Here you will find hawks, eagles and owls and the expert falconer will allow you the chance to handle and feed birds of prey from your own gloved hand.  The one-hour activity is a profound experience and will certainly make memories for whoever you gift this experience to. Also, includes a three-course dinner for two people and bed and breakfast.

Bespoke Lyrath Estate Candle (€25) and Room Mist (€25)

Lyrath Estate has partnered with the Irish Craft Perfumery, La Bougie, to create a bespoke candle and spray mist capturing the true essence and history of Lyrath Estate through ‘The Lyrath Fragrance Collection’.

This delectable scent is brimming with notes of lavender, rose, honey, rhubarb, and ivy. Inspired by the delicate blossoms and elegant woodlands of the estate, this delicate fragrance was designed in honour of painter, plant-hunter, and botanist, Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe, who resided at Lyrath Estate for over 50 years.

Lyrath Estate Honey from €13.50

Set on over 170 acres of mature parkland with a myriad of ancient trees, wildflowers and woodlands on the grounds, Lyrath Estate is home to lots of wildlife. Pollinators are quite happy foraging on the grounds for sweet nectar including Lyrath’s resident bees.  In line with the estates’ sustainable ethos, Lyrath is encouraging wildlife and bees and is now producing its own Lyrath Estate Honey. (€13.50)

Oasis Spa Hampers from €56

The award-winning Oasis Spa at Lyrath sells lots of take-home spa products so you can continue your beauty and wellness care at home.  Products include Kerstin Florian, Elemis and Basq.  Ask the team to make a bespoke spa hamper, choose a spa hamper already made up or you could opt for a spa voucher.

Monetary Voucher

 

Buying a monetary voucher for Lyrath Estate is also a great idea and allows the recipient to choose how they might use the voucher for themselves. 

 

All available from Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny. For more see www.lyrath.com

Two Highly Recommended Organic Whites From Penedès and Burgundy

Albet i Noya Lignum! Penedes (DO) 2020, 12%, 

€16.60-17.00 Wunderkaffee in Farran Village// Quay Co.Op// The Olive Branch, Clonakilty// Harringtons, Ardgroom// Taste . Castletownbere// Organico, Bantry// Sonas , Newcastle West// Morton of Galway/ The Connemara Hamper// The Vintry, Dublin// Ardkeen, Waterford// Little Green Grocer, Kilkenny. And many more.

Light straw is the colour of this  Catalonian blend. The moderate aromas, of moderate intensity, give up floral notes along with exotic fruits and a touch of oak. In the mouth it is surprisingly rich and complex, with notes of peach and citrus, and with a long lingering finish. Highly Recommended.

The blend is off Xarel-lo, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and they come together very well indeed. The winery itself says: There are two sides to this wine. The Sauvignon gives it a perfumed, floral nose. Xarel·lo and Chardonnay together with a hint of oak (where the Chardonnay spends 2 months) give it a little body and complexity in the mouth with a long finish.

Xarel-lo, a high-yielding white grape, is best known as the main grape in the Cava blend. Mostly found in Cataluña where Albert i Noya is regarded as one of its best producers (according to Grapes and Wines).

This organic Catalonian wine is quite versatile at the table, particularly with food from the “whiter” side such as Vegetables, Salads, White fish, Rice dishes, and Seafood and, also, as aperitif. Serve at 18 degrees.

In 1903, during the phylloxera crisis, “our great great grandfather, Joan Albet i Rovirosa, arrived in the Penedès to work the the vineyards at the Can Vendrell de la Codina estate, in Sant Pau d’Ordal”. And this is where the company still operates.

In the late seventies “an opportunity knocked on our door and, restless as ever, we decided to embrace it. A Danish company was searching the Penedes for an organic wine grower. Nobody had ever heard of organic wines. But curiosity won us over and that's how we threw ourselves into this adventure.”

Josep Maria Albet i Noya decided to try one of the vineyards, despite doubts from friends and family. But it worked out well and encouraged him to extend the practice. Healthier vines and healthier wines are the result. The winery is well known for this white and also for its red equivalent also known as Lignum!

Ambroise Bourgogne Aligoté (AOC) 2020, 12.5% ABV 

€18.75 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Colour is mid-gold and it is clear as crystal. The aromatics are modest, citrus and floral. There’s a creamy texture. The fruit, fresh and tangy citrus, impresses, with a streak of minerality, all the way to an excellent finish. Not a Chardonnay but a very engaging white Burgundy and very well priced as well. Produced from vines located in the town of Premeaux Prissey, this cuvée aged in vats for 10 month.

Aligoté is Burgundy’s second white grape and doesn’t really get much of a vote of confidence in its few paragraphs in Grapes & Wines but Le Caveau, importers of this bottle, report that is making a comeback lately and that our bottle “is quite a delicious example of this variety”.

Back in 2017, in St Peter’s Church (not the one in Rome but the one in Cork’s North Main Street,), I was delighted to have the chance to chat to Bertrand Ambroise and taste his delicious Burgundy wines. Organic farming is a way of life for the Ambroise family. I have been a fan of the wines for quite a while but this is my first Aligoté from them. It is a good one and Highly Recommended, especially with any creamy sauce, or shared in the garden with some cheeses and meats.

Maison Ambroise is a long established, small négociant house, who operates on 21 hectares of their own vineyards and purchase grapes from another three. They own vines in Prémeaux (where the grapes for this one grow), Nuits-St-Georges, Ladoix, Meursault, the hill of Corton, Vosne-Romanée (with some Grand Cru Echezeaux!), Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Beaune and as far as Saint-Romain. 

Bertrand Ambroise was relatively recently joined by his son Francois and daughter Ludivine, they received their organic certification (2013). Ludivine explained the move to organic viticulture is one of true belief as she lost her grand-father due to illness caused by chemicals used in the fields.

PREM GROUP TO OPERATE NEW FUTURISTIC HOTEL AT INNOVATION CAMPUS LIVING TOMORROW - BRUSSELS

PREM GROUP TO OPERATE NEW FUTURISTIC HOTEL AT INNOVATION CAMPUS LIVING TOMORROW - BRUSSELS

 

PREM Group has announced that it will manage and operate voco Brussels City North on behalf of Living Tomorrow. The 92-bedroom hotel is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in autumn 2023. The hotel will operate under the voco hotel brand, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand family. 

 The property is not only the first of its kind in Belgium, the location will be unique too. The hotel is one of the main facilities of the new Innovation Campus of Living Tomorrow, a platform that shows how we will work, live, and travel in the future. The voco customers will be able to immerse themselves in these innovative experiences as well, with a glimpse of what the future of hospitality will look like.

IHG has partnered with innovation platform Living Tomorrow to oversee and deliver the technological processes and innovative platforms. Moreover, there will also be a digital personalised tour along different hubs, which immerse the visitor in different kinds of technologies such as AR,VR and 4D.

The technologies and personalised experiences which will be integrated and utilised at voco Brussels City North will place the hotel at the forefront of the hospitality industry in Belgium.

Jim Murphy CEO PREM Group

The state-of-the-art hotel will feature a restaurant and conference centre and will adjoin the Innovation Campus.

Located to the north of the city, the hotel will feature a striking 50-metre tower with huge glass windows providing panoramic views of the Brussels skyline. The site itself will be Europe's largest experimental lab for creating ideas and a vision for the future. In line with the voco hotels ethos, voco Brussels City North will stand out from the crowd and give guests a different choice.

Jim Murphy CEO of PREM Group is looking forward to the task: “We are delighted that Living Tomorrow has contracted PREM Group as the operators of this dynamic new property, and we are looking forward to the opening of voco Brussels City North. The innovation and technology which will be utilised in both the running of the hotel and by the guests themselves take the hospitality experience to the next level. The discerning traveller, demands and needs the latest technology to be available at their fingertips. We aim to make processes faster, more efficient, and even fun for the guest.”

And so is Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts: “I’m delighted to announce that we have contracted PREM Group to operate voco Brussels City North, Belgium. PREM Group has a strong track record in operating successful properties in Ireland, the UK and across Continental Europe and we are confident that the property will be a standout hotel within our group and in the Benelux region.”

Yin Oei, CEO, Living Tomorrow, said: “Living Tomorrow is focused on driving the future and we’re excited to partner with IHG to develop this exciting hotel – the first voco in Belgium. The values of voco hotels fit well with our desire to innovate and push boundaries and we know that the strength of the IHG systems will provide a stable platform from which to innovate.”

Interactive experiences

Wine and Dine at L’Atitude. Huge choice of excellent wines and a much expanded menu.

Wine and Dine at L’Atitude. 

Huge choice of excellent wines and a much expanded menu.

Beef cheek

On an overdue visit to L’Atitude, we started with the wine, even though our main objective was to try out the expanded food menu that has grown since the most popular wine bar in town overcame one major hurdle after another to once again shine on at No. 1 Union Quay, although the Santa-red City Hall was hard to ignore outside the window!

You have scores of wines to choose by the glass. Not just by the glass: you may have a 125 ml glass, a 175, a 250 pichet or the full bottle. And then there’s another packed page on sale by the bottle only. It is also a wine shop, so if you want a bottle or two or more for home, then you’re in the right place. And if you want to know more about wine, you’re also in the right place - check out their social media for tastings and wine courses.

The Whites

2021 M&A Ardorfer Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal Austria | Gruner V. N ON TAP

2021 Judith Beck 'Weissburgunder', Burgenland, Austria | Pinot Blanc

Anyway, to the wine and our two Austrian whites to begin the evening. A few years back, on a trip through Austria we found that when we ordered wine at a bar, we were often followed to our seats by a server with water who insisted we have”water with the wine”!

Since then, we have learned much about wine and particularly about organic wine which Austria is strong on. Judith Beck of Burgenland is a renowned producer and I’m quite a fan of hers, including her Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and I ordered a small glass (6.50). Refreshingly aromatic with a great mouthfeel, full bodied with exotic and citrus flavour and quite a dash of spiciness. 

Austria is probably best known for its Grüner Veltliner and ours was by M&A Amdorter of the Kamptal and the small glass (6.30) was poured from the tap. No tap when we were in Austria but one evening, at a Heurige (traditional wine tavern) in the Vienna Woods, a party had been arranged and, to save time, the tavern served their Gru-Vee in beer mugs. Quite a night followed, dancing in the aisles as the folk musicians played. No Schrammelmusik at L’Attitude on our night but the Gruner was superb.

The Reds

2021 Maison Ambroise Lettre d'Eloise', Burgundy. France | Pinot Noir

2021 Angiolino Maule 'Rosso Masieri', Veneto, Italy | Meriot, Tai Rosso

Back in 2017, in St Peter’s Church (not the one in Rome but the one in Cork’s North Main Street, ), I was delighted to have the chance to chat to Bertrand Ambroise (below right) and taste his delicious Burgundy wines, an earlier vintage (named after his grand-daughter) of this among them. Organic farming is a way of life for the Ambroise family.

I have regularly had Bertrand’s wines since then and this 2021 is a gorgeous well-priced wine (5.60 for 125mls in L’Atitude).

A few years ago a Veneto Masterclass in Dublin, speakers praised the Maule family and said they were at the forefront of the natural wine movement, and not just in Italy.

 

In Dublin, Francesco Maule, son of the founders, called this their “basic red”. It is a blend of Merlot, Tai Rosso and a little Cabernet Sauvignon. Tai Rosso is more or less the same grape as Grenache.

I got myself a 125 glass (7 euro) the other night. This deep ruby wine has ripe red fruit and hints of spice in the aromas. It is fresh with red fruit on the palate and that spice too. Quality on the palate and on the finish as well. Really well-balanced. They make a terrific white counterpart as well (also here in L'Atitude).

The Food

One for the season!
Pic from L'Atitude's Facebook

There have been changes, (bigger and better choices) to the L’Atitude food offering. Owner Beverley explains: “Our kitchen has been going from strength to strength since we reopened in 2020, constantly improving and evolving with the seasons, under the guidance of Simone Kelly, who you’ll all know from Rocketman. And consequently, we find more and more people making L’Atitude their destination for a night out over a meal, as opposed to popping in for a quick pre-dinner aperitif or a digestif on their way home - although we still very much welcome both.”

And we were looking forward to our meal especially when we saw the expanded and varied menu. There are nibbles and you can move on from there to small and not-so-small plates.

Pickled eggs

We started with their Pickled Egg and also Banderillas - anchovies, olives and roasted pepper, a duo that certainly woke up the taste buds. Other dishes in this category include Sliced Saucisson,  Tête de Moine Cheese, Toasted Almonds, Mixed Olives, Artisan Sourdough & Glenstal Butter OR Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and an Aperitif Plate - Almonds, Olives, Pickled Grapes and Tête de Moine.

Quite a selection of fuller plates too: 

Horizon Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Buffalo Ricotta, Peanut Rayu; 

O'Mahony's Bavette Steak, Ballyhoura Mushrooms and Greens; 

Pappardelle, Pork & Fennel Ragù;

Baked Mont D'Or, Irish Air-dried Ham, Sautéed Potatoes, Sesame Toast- for sharing (allow 30 mins);

Board of Cheeses Charcuterie or mixed, and more including organic salads. 

Banderillas

Our picks were Fish Croquetas, Ginger, Kohlrabi & Lime Mayo; and also Slow-Braised Beef Cheeks, Celeriac Mash, Spiced Pickled Cranberries. A big thumbs up for each. Throughout, local producers are supported so a big thumbs up for that also!

A tempting line-up of desserts included some with an appropriate wine in tandem. Our favourite was the Chocolate Piedmont Hazelnut Torte with Vanilla ice-cream. This was worth the seven euro for the amazing nuts alone!

That was us finished and well satisfied. Out into the freezing night then and glad to see a bus at the stop as we arrived in Patrick Street. We had walked down (to work up an appetite!) but there was no way we were going to walk back!

L”Attitude opening hours: 

Wine Shop: Wednesday to Saturday from 1pm till late 

Wine Bar: Wednesday to Saturday from 3pm till late. 

Kitchen: Wednesday to Friday from 5pm. Saturday from 4pm.

Stay up to date by checking their Instagram page here. 

City Hall (from L'Atitude window)

 

The Whiskey Bulletin. Review of new West Cork 7-year Single Malt plus news from Powerscourt, Cork Whiskey Fest,Blackwater Distillery, Killowen

New Whiskey Review

Plus news from Powerscourt, Cork Whiskey Fest,Blackwater Distillery, Killowen

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West Cork 7 Year Single Malt 46% ABV

Chalk this down as another good one from the West Cork Distillery in Skibbereen.

This, one of the darker ones, has quite an inviting nose, subtle notes of almond and red berries. It boasts a marvellous palate, really easy to enjoy, packed with agreeable fruit sensations (including citrus and almond), hints too of its years in sherry cask, smooth malt and just a little, if lively, spice. And there’s no let-up, nor let down either, in the long and pleasant finish. An immediate thumbs up for this smooth fruity whiskey from the west which was finished in bourbon casks.

Expect to pay around €60.00 

This is the first aged Pot Still from Ireland's largest independent distillery! West Cork Distillers was formed in 2003 by childhood friends, John O’Connell (left), Ger McCarthy and Denis McCarthy at a time when it made very little economic sense to do so. "The early years were far from glamorous, operating in a room at the back of Denis’s house in Union Hall with two small stills we bought from a schnapps producer in Switzerland. In 2014 we moved to a new distillery in Skibbereen

We currently operate out of a 12.5 acre site on Marsh Road.... With distributors across the globe, our award winning West Cork Irish Whiskey is now sold in almost 70 countries. Case sales have risen considerably every year for the past six years and our staff has grown to over 80 people, with the majority based locally in West Cork.

We want to make Irish whiskey accessible. We will continue to expand our operation but maintain our Irish ownership and stay true to our West Cork heritage. The opening of the new distillery makes us the largest, wholly Irish owned distillery in the country. Meanwhile, more jobs, new products and additional warehouses are being added to meet rising demand."

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press releases

And they have other tempting options also.

More info here

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press release

Cork Whiskey Fest

BLACKWATER DISTILLERY MASTERCLASS

WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2023 @12:00PM WHERE:CORK CITY'S VICTORIAN QUARTER More details here ************** press release Killowen Distillery have nurtured many different expressions of poitín since their first days of distilling, unfortunately these beautiful products are too often in short supply. Thankfully Killowen have now created a core product in larger 70cl bottles, most fitting of the current poitín revival.   ‘Pangur – The White Cat’ is fun, dynamic, colourful and versatile with flavours spanning from sophisticated whiskey aromas to beautiful mescal notes, this poitín is a fitting response to Ireland’s unique, culinary beverage. As whiskey’s mummy, this is a beverage category we should all be very proud of. Pangur draws its inspiration from the fun ancient poem ‘Pangur Ban’ written by a man from here, on a remote German island in the 9th Century about his relationship with his little furry friend - we will let you guys enjoy the fun history search.   Pangur is a 50/50 combination of two spirits, one from either side of Carlingford Lough, the combination offers both potstill spice and notes of mescal creating a beautiful spirit perfectly suited for finishing in some well sourced oak in Killowen Distillery.   The three Pangurs we have include:  Bourbon wood rested offers notes of citrus fruit, and similar to mescal a hint of smoke and light earthiness Stout wood rested offers some of the above but this time with chocolate, creamy and a silky texture PX wood rested dried fruit notes of fig and raisin layered on top of the afore mentioned citrus Just to note: current legislation forbids the mention of the words ‘cask’ or ‘ageing’ in marketing material for our native spirit poitín, something we hope will change in the future. Pangur is currently being released into the wild this week onwards, just ask any quality local off licenses North or South to get a bottle in stock, it will also be available from our online partners. RRP: €48.95 & £39.95 **************

Imperial's Grinchmas Getaway package. Casey's Teddy Bear charity appeal. Aware Charity 5k walk. Christmas at Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

Something for everyone...

A Grinch takeover with luxurious decorations, cocktails and afternoon tea at Cork’s Imperial Hotel, a Teddy bear charity appeal from Casey’s Furniture, calling all dashers, dancers and prancers for the Aware Charity 5k walk, and the ultimate family Christmas hotel stay at Newpark, Kilkenny.

Images for all experiences are available for use here.

• If you love ‘The Grinch who Stole Christmas’ , then a trip to Cork’s historic Imperial Hotel is a must!

Cork’s luxury boutique Imperial Hotel is set to stand out from the crowd this Christmas as they have undergone a festive makeover from none other than ‘The Grinch’ himself! The historic hotel on Cork’s South Mall is daring to be different and opting for whimsical, theatrical, and luxurious décor with flourishes of Grinch green and candy canes to bring some extra festive magic this Christmas.

Embracing a playful take on a Cork Christmas, the exterior of the hotel has also undergone a temporary rebrand to ‘The Imperial WHOtel’ in a nod to the village where the Grinch grew up. They also have Grinch themed afternoon teas, signature cocktails, guest room amenities, Instagramable moments and more! Make a break for the Imperial with the Grinchmas Getaway package priced from €235 per Who for two nights bed & breakfast with a three-course dinner in Sketch on an evening of your choice with a sumptuous birdcage breakfast each morning.

See www.imperialhotelcork.com for more

Wake up in the Marble City. Kilkenny sunrise.

Have you ever considering making a break for it with the family at Christmas?

• With mid-week breaks and residential Christmas packages you can experience Winter Magic at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny

Looking for a festive break with all the trimmings this winter? The award-winning Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny is a perfect base to experience the ultimate seasonal break in the Marble City.

The Newpark ho-ho-ho-tel team offer a truly magical Christmas break with family and friends. Checking in on the 23^rd of December you can enjoy a 2-, 3- or 4-night package designed to offer the ultimate Christmas celebration.

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny also offers the ultimate Winter Midweek break with prices starting at €234 for 2 night stay when booking our Linger for Longer Package, stay 2 nights midweek & save 10%

For Christmas residential packages staying from 23rd December two night stay (which includes all your festive dining and entertainment) is from €599pps; newparkhotelkilkenny.com 

For more visit www.NewparkHotelhotelkilkenny.com or www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com/christmas-breaks.html

Get a feelgood factor by supporting a good cause this Christmas…

• Casey’s will sell their classic ‘Casey Bedtime Bear’ in store and online during the festive season will 100% of proceeds going for the local good cause 

Casey’s Furniture launched their Christmas Appeal, to help give back to the local community, in true Christmas spirit.

The furniture retailer is selling their signature Casey’s Bedtime Bear in their Limerick and Cork stores and online for the festive season with 100% of proceeds going to children’s hospital wards in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The super-soft high quality teddy bear will retail for just €10/ Dressed in adorable vintage blue and white striped pyjamas, it’s the perfect chance to give a cute gift this Christmas while making a difference. 

For more see caseys.ie.

Look after Yours’elf’ this Christmas and help others in their community….

Why not do something to support your own well-being whilst helping people impacted by depression and bipolar disorder by taking part in the 17^th annual Aware Christmas 5K.

From Friday 9^th to Sunday 11^th December, people all over the country are being encouraged to come together physically or virtually to be part of this fun, festive and healthy event to support Aware’s vital services.

You can walk, jog, run or hike in your favourite 5k route anywhere in the country at a time of your choice over the event weekend, and share your efforts and your support on social media using the hashtag #WeAreAware. Those who want to get into the festive spirit of the Aware Christmas 5K are encouraged to dress up

Online registration is now open at aware.ie/christmas5K  at a cost of €25 per person. Each participant will receive a custom medal that doubles as a Christmas tree decoration and a treat from event sponsor Cadbury.

If you are impacted by depression, bipolar disorder or other mood related conditions, you can contact Aware’s free support line 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm on 1800 80 48 48.

For more information on Aware or to register for their 2022 virtual Christmas 5K fundraiser, visit aware.ie/christmas5k. #WeAreAware

press release