A CASTLE MADE FOR ROMANCE: VALENTINE’S AT BARBERSTOWN CASTLE

press release

A CASTLE MADE FOR ROMANCE: VALENTINE’S AT BARBERSTOWN CASTLE

 

Some places seem to exist purely to make people fall in love, and Barberstown Castle is one of them. Just thirty minutes from Dublin, yet entirely removed from the everyday, the historic four-star castle in Straffan, Co. Kildare offers a Valentine’s escape that feels indulgent, atmospheric and deeply romantic.

 

This Valentine’s, Barberstown Castle is inviting couples to linger with a beautifully curated Romantic Escape, available for one or two nights from €415 per couple. The experience begins with a chocolate treat waiting in the room on arrival. Later, guests will enjoy dinner in the Castle’s celebrated Barton Rooms, where a welcoming glass of champagne sets the tone for an evening of fine food and quiet celebration, followed the next morning by a leisurely breakfast and no reason to rush away.

 

Dinner is, fittingly, one of the great highlights of the stay. The Barton Rooms, recently crowned ‘Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025’, is a destination, showcasing exceptional Irish produce in a setting that feels both elegant and warmly intimate. This is the kind of meal that turns a night away into a proper occasion, and a Valentine’s celebration into something truly memorable.

Many of the bedrooms have four-poster beds and the sort of enveloping quiet that encourages long lie-ins and slow mornings. Outside, the Castle grounds and surrounding countryside invite gentle winter walks, before returning to open fires, indulgent baths and unhurried afternoons.

 

And for those planning something truly momentous, the Castle poses an irresistible question. Proposing? Is there anywhere more romantic in the world? The answer may well be found in Barberstown’s recently renovated Presidential Suite, a space created for once-in-a-lifetime occasions.   If you are thinking about popping that all important question or want an ultra-luxurious, romantic experience then upgrade to the Presidential Suite where you and your loved one will be utterly pampered.

 

At the heart of Barberstown Castle is a medieval keep dating back to 1288, later enriched with Victorian and Elizabethan additions that give the house its richly layered, timeless character. Today, it is home to 61 elegant bedrooms and suites, gracious public rooms and softly lit corridors, with an atmosphere that manages to feel both grand and reassuringly intimate.

 

This Valentine’s, Barberstown Castle’s Romantic Escape brings together everything a romantic break should be- beautiful surroundings, exceptional food, thoughtful touches and the luxury of time. Whether it is a celebration, a surprise, or the beginning of a new chapter, it is a place where romance feels not only possible, but inevitable.

 

For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.

 

BARBERSTOWN CASTLE BACKING THE DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL AT LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE

 

The historic, four-star Barberstown Castle, located in Straffan, Co. Kildare, has announced its sponsorship of a feature race at the 2026 Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse — one of Ireland’s most prestigious and exciting fixtures in the National Hunt calendar.

 

Barberstown Castle will sponsor the Barberstown Castle Handicap Steeplechase (Listed) on Saturday, 31 January 2026 (Day One of the Festival). The race takes place in a prime slot on the card, running immediately after the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, ensuring a high-profile and competitive contest in front of a large and engaged audience.

 

The Dublin Racing Festival (DRF) is one of Ireland’s premier racing events, attracting the very best horses, trainers and jockeys, as well as an enthusiastic international audience.

Barberstown Castle has long been a supporter of the Irish racing industry and has sponsored racing at The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown, as well as being actively involved in racing hospitality and partnerships. The hotel also supports and sponsors jockeys Dylan Browne McMonagle, Scott Mc Cullagh, Patick Mc Gettigan and Simon Torrens.

 

Amanda Torrens, CEO and owner of Barberstown Castle, said; “The Dublin Racing Festival attracts a hugely engaged audience and represents the very best of Irish National Hunt racing. With approximately 36,000 people expected to attend over the weekend, it provides a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase Barberstown Castle to both Irish and international racegoers.  We love horse racing — it’s a special industry — and we relish the opportunity to support and work with dynamic racecourses, jockeys and sporting events at the highest level.”

 

To mark the occasion, Barberstown Castle has created a special Dublin Racing Festival accommodation package, which includes accommodation with breakfast and a complimentary return shuttle transfer to and from Leopardstown Racecourse. The offer is priced from €275 single / €295 double and is available on the 30th & 31st January 2026.

 

The luxury hotel features 61 spacious bedrooms, including a recently renovated ultra-luxurious Presidential Suite, along with a collection of elegant public rooms, dining spaces and banqueting suites. The Barton Rooms, the main hotel restaurant was named ‘Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025’.

 

The historic property is centred around a medieval keep dating from 1288, later enhanced with Victorian and Elizabethan additions, resulting in a property that is richly atmospheric while offering modern luxury and comfort.

 

For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.

 

A LOVE STORY AT DUNLUCE LODGE

 A LOVE STORY AT DUNLUCE LODGE

 

-Dunluce Lodge, Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland-

The restaurant

 

Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest independent five-star hotel, an intimate coastal retreat perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush and overlooking the Atlantic on the edge of the seaside town of Portrush in County Antrim. With just thirty-five suites, it is the most refined place to stay along this dramatic coastline, offering a calm, residential atmosphere where privacy, romance and quiet luxury define the experience.

 

This Valentine’s, the Dunluce Lodge Luxury Valentine’s Retreat offers couples an elegant escape on the Causeway Coast, priced from £425 per couple sharing. The experience includes an overnight stay in a luxurious suite, a four-course dinner with a glass of bubbles, breakfast the following morning, and access to the spa facilities — a refined celebration of time together, designed for couples to relax, reconnect and slow the pace.

 

The Valentine’s experience is thoughtfully curated from arrival to departure. Guests are welcomed with a refreshment before settling into their suite, ahead of an evening that unfolds with a four-course dinner celebrating seasonal, local produce. After a restful night’s sleep, morning begins with a beautifully prepared breakfast and time to unwind in the spa’s steam room and gym. Each suite also features The Larder, a curated selection of north coast treats, while evening turndown includes handcrafted chocolates from The Chocolate Manor.

The lodge’s spa and fitness suite add another layer of calm, with treatments using Sea Body and Natura Bissé products inspired by the sea and the elements, while complimentary local transfers make it easy to explore nearby.

 

Affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Dunluce Lodge blends contemporary design with warm, assured hospitality. Interiors are serene and beautifully detailed, while the public spaces — including the restaurant, bar, private dining rooms and atmospheric vault — look out across the dunes and sea, creating a setting that moves naturally from relaxed days into softly lit evenings.

Dunluce Lodge is ideally positioned for discovering the Causeway Coast, a region celebrated for its extraordinary natural beauty, from sweeping beaches and cliff walks to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the historic village of Bushmills. Bespoke local experiences and guided excursions can be arranged, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.At Dunluce Lodge, luxury is quiet, personal and deeply connected to place — an ideal setting for a love story - where the landscape, the light and the atmosphere do the rest.

#pressrelease

 

No panic but a stunning streak reveals I’m a Stout Man. These stats don’t lie!

No panic but a stunning streak reveals I’m a Stout Man. These stats don’t lie!

There’s a website called The Stats Don’t Lie (TSDL). It crunches the numbers on horse-racing in these islands.

I have no idea how reliable TSDL is. But I’m on sounder ground when dealing with my favourite beer stats for 2025. And they reveal a stunning streak - it appears that I’m a Stout Man! No less than 14 stouts appear towards the top of the list. Indeed, the top three beers are stout.

I reckon I just can't ignore the results from 2025 (and previous years) and so I'll be concentrating in the dark side from 2026 onwards. Looking forward to some more relaxed beer-drinking in the months head as the sourcing, photographing, judging and rating, plus writing up has been very time consuming. A bit too much like hard word.

See my opening lists for next year below. It won't be just the dark side though. There are just too many superb Irish brewers to totally ignore the many excellent examples of lagers, ales and specials that are available these days.

Top Stouts 2025

Whitefield Irish Stout 7.5% ABV, 330 ml bottle, Bradley’s 

Rating: 95.5

Mescan Spéartha Dorcha Oyster Stout 4.7% ABV, 330 ml bottle Bradleys

Rating: 95

Elbow Lane Angel Stout 4.4% ABV, draught at Elbow Lane

Rating: 95

O’Hara’s Irish Stout Nitro 4.3% ABV, Tesco Midleton

Rating: 94

Dungarvan Black Rock Stout 4.3% ABV, 500 ml bottle #21 Coburg St

Rating: 93.5

Sullivan’s Black Marble Stout 5.1% ABV, 500 ml bottle, Supervalu Mayfield

Rating: 93.5

O’Hara’s Leann Folláin Extra Irish Stout 6% ABV, Tesco Midleton

Rating: 93

Rye River Nocturne Export Stout 6% ABV, Tesco Midleton

Rating: 92.5

Tom Crean’s Family Six Magpies Stout, 4.2% ABV

Rating: 92.5

Eight Degrees Bojanter Irish Stout 4.3%

Rating: 92

Brehon Ulster Black Oatmeal Stout 5% ABV, Bradleys

Rating: 91.5

Kinnegar Flying Saucer Foreign Export Stout 6.5%

Rating: 91

Wicklow Wolf Apex Oatmeal Stout 

Rating: 90.5

9 White Deer Stag Stout 4.2% ABV

Rating: 90

Chow Bella😉. Bream the star of Saturday lunch In Bella Napoli.

 Chow Bella😉

Bream the star at Saturday lunch In Bella Napoli.

Sea Bream

We were in Bella Napoli the weekend before Christmas, for lunch. I had enjoyed their ragu here earlier in the year but this time is was a dish based around sea bream (rather than the ubiquitous sea bass) that caught the attention of the taste buds.

It was CL’s choice and came under the Mains heading: Pan fried fillets of sea bream, creamy mash, Mediterranean vegetables, creamy tomato sauce and aromatic herb & lemon dressing. Perfect, she confirmed. The fish (in its crispy skin) and even the Mediterranean vegetables made for an exquisite dish, enhanced further by the delicious sauce.

Another fish on the menu also caught her eye before she choose the bream. This was Fresh fillet of cod in a herb and parmesan crust served with crushed baked potatoes, baby carrots, tenderstem broccoli and creamy dill and lemon sauce. Next time!  Also in this section, among others, were  Chicken Scallopine (escalopes), Braised Short Rib of Beef and Beef Tagliata.

I was concentrating on the Pasta and Risotto section - no shortage of choice in this section either  - and I was drawn by the Featherblade and Truffle Risotto, the Rigatoni Sausage and Mushroom and also the Chicken Alfredo but I think it was always going to be ragu.

I had been impressed with each ragu during previous visits and it was a toss-up before I settled on the Napolitano (8-hour braised beef in an onion & tomato sauce served with rigatoni pasta, toasted sourdough and parmesan shavings). The Genovese consists of Slow cooked pulled beef, onions, white wine served with rigatoni pasta, fresh basil, pecorino cheese & toasted sourdoug). Quite a bit of beef in my pick, the Napolitano, but it was all fine and the Rigatoni picked up most of the sauce. Anything left was mopped up with the sourdough!

They have a good selection of starters (no less than 11) and salads here and there’s also a Bambino Menu. By the way, they don't do pizzas here anymore. Service was calm, friendly and efficient. The address is French Church Street but they also have an entrance from Academy Street

CONTACT

Bella Napoli 

4 French Church Street

Cork

T12 V9DK

Ireland

 021 4279122

 

HOURS

Mon to Thu: 17:00‑20:00

Fri: 17:00‑21:00

Sat: 13:00‑21:00

Sun: 13:00‑20:00

Something Special at Fenns Quay. Knockout Sensations on an April Night in 2017. A Tasty Blasta from the past!

Fenn’s Quay's Special. Blasta from the past!

Knockout Plates on an April Night in 2017.

Cod

from our April 2017 blog.......

From breakfast ’til late at night Fenn’s Quay will feed you, and feed you well. Lots of menus here, including a set lunch and an Early Bird. That Early Bird is, unusually, available on Saturdays up to 6.30.

It is good value and has quite a few dishes from the A La Carte. As it happened, it was the A La Carte that we concentrated on last weekend. We noticed some dishes that are almost fixtures here, such as the O’Mahony's Feather-blade and the same O'Mahony’s Collar of Bacon.

Beetroot cured salmon

But there is no shortage of variety in Fenn’s Quay, once you factor in a packed specials board. And, conveniently, they also include a written list of the specials as well as the traditional blackboard. We tend to make good use of the specials and we did so here as well, though neither of the starters featured on the board.

CL choose Cork Dry Gin and Beetroot cured salmon with buttermilk dillisk and cucumber pickle (€10.00), a very well judged combination, very tasty indeed. 

Braised lentils and beef tongue with pickled quail egg

I was delighted with my Braised lentils and beef tongue with pickled quail egg (€10.00). The broth or jus - I used some of their well-made bread to mop it up - was full of the flavours from the tongue and the lentils and the quail was the first of my Easter eggs. Happy out!

We had been tempted by one of special starters, a Fish Platter with O’Connell’s smoked salmon, smoked mackerel, fish croquette and beer battered cod.

Bewley's Pannacotta 

We would though have O’Connell's cod on the double as we agreed on the mains, the Fish of the Day special (19.00). Details are: Cod, spinach, cod skin and cod purée, served with roasted cauliflower florets and peas. All added up to an exquisite dish, the fish as fresh as could be and cooked perfectly and that cauliflower was excellent. 

The dessert special was another winner: Bewley's Pannacotta with dark chocolate and brandy mousse (€6.50); had an idea this was going to be delicious (and it was!) and so we left the popular Mimi’s Cork Dry Gin and Tonic Dessert behind!

They have a short but well judged list of wines here, some available by the glass and most, if not all, by the carafe and bottle. And also they had a couple of specials on the board. 

Unusually, they also have a list of craft beers, Blacks and Mountain Man among them, but I went for a regular favourite the Stonewell Medium Cry Cider (€6.50). Food and presentation was top notch, service too and so it was a happy if overdue return to No. 5 Fenn’s Quay. Very Highly Recommended.

The specials board was a regular and welcome feature in No. 5 (which was closed
permanently by owner Kate Lawlor in the summer of 2017).

The mains. Above article based on blogpost first published here in April 2017,
just months before Fenns Quay was permanently closed  by hard-working owner Kate Lawlor . 

Why Pay More for your Bubbles? Discover the Affordable Allure of Crémant!

Photo by Cody Chan on Unsplash

Why Pay More for your Bubbles? Discover the Affordable Allure of Crémant! 

M&S Crémant De Bourgogne (ACC) Brut, 12% ABV, 

€12.00 at M&S

M&S: Sparkling, creamy, elegant, fizz

Taste: Peach blossom, apricot, redcurrants.

Food: Canapés, smoked salmon, goats cheese.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Aligoté and Gamay, aged in bottle to give a fine elegant mousse

Sometimes, those of us who regularly dabble in wine assume that other people, who may not dabble as much, will recognise all the terms. Take Crémant, for example, and Methode Traditionelle. Crémant is the term used to classify French sparkling wines produced, using the Méthode Traditionelle, outside the boundaries of the Champagne region. The method, also known (within Champagne) as méthode champenoise, involves disgorgement and a second fermentation in the bottle and you can read more here.  

Crémant de Bourgogne was first made, using the Traditional vinification method (same as Champagne), at the beginning of the 19th century. The AOC status granted in 1975 laid down strict conditions for its production based on meticulously applied traditional skills to achieve high-quality vinification. Only whites and rosés qualify for the appellation. They may be blanc de blancs (from white grapes) or blanc de noirs (from white-juiced black grapes). Most are classed as brut. You’ll see demi-sec less often. The production area is the same as that for the appellation Bourgogne.

Another excellent Crémant 
from Burgundy

Key Crémant Regions & Styles

• Alsace (Crémant d'Alsace): The biggest producer (over half of all French Crémant is made here), often using Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris for crisp, aromatic wines.
• Burgundy (Crémant de Bourgogne): Shares grapes with Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) but offers fresher, sometimes richer, styles from areas like Auxerre and Rully.
• Loire Valley (Crémant de Loire): Known for its versatility, using Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay for diverse profiles.
• Limoux (Crémant de Limoux): Southern France's bubbly, often featuring Mauzac, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. Limoux strongly claims to be the first region in France to produce bubbly wine!
• Jura (Crémant du Jura): From eastern France, using local grapes like Poulsard and Trousseau for unique flavors.
• Savoie (Crémant de Savoie): From the Alps, offering light, fresh sparkling wines.
• Bordeaux (Crémant de Bordeaux): Produced in the famous wine region, using Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Merlot (for rosé).
• Die (Crémant de Die): In the Rhône Valley, known for Muscat-based sparkling wines. 
• In addition, you also have Crémant de Luxembourg, known for its fine bubbles, balance of freshness and complexity.