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Visit | January 2011
There's something for everyone in this
late-18th-century residence. While the
art lovers are drooling over the striking
art nouveau carvings inside, parents and
children can enjoy the log ride, pedal
boats and aviary in the sprawling gardens.
Tel: +353 (0)98 27766
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Hotels | January 2011
From the turrets and towers to the
drawbridge and battlements, Ashford
(pictured) exudes a real fairy-tale air.
The 350-acre estate features Ireland's
first school of falconry, while inside the
spacious rooms convey an unmistakable
air of opulence. Rooms start at €113.
Tel: +353 (0)94 954 6003
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Visit | June 2010
This quirky visitor centre is dedicated to the life and story of one of Ireland's great heroines, Grace O'Malley. Known as the “Pirate Queen”, in the 16th century she fearlessly led battles against the English and ruled the high seas.
Address: LOUISBURGH. | Tel: +353 (0)98 66341
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The O'Donnell family, princes of Tir Connell, built this beautiful Georgian mansion in 1720. Outside the River Newport ambles by, while inside is spacious, elegant and ornately furnished in a classical style.
Address: NEWPORT. | Tel: +353 (0)98 41222
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Bars | June 2010
This friendly Westport pub is well known for its brilliant live music. If you're lucky, you'll even catch owner John Staunton perched on a stool in the middle of the bar playing everything from traditional standards to American country tunes on his acoustic guitar.
Address: PETER STREET. | Tel: +353 (0)87 675 7961
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This charming waterfront eatery is housed in an old stone building bursting with nautical bric-a-brac. Famous for its freshly caught seafood, the menu features classics such as lemon sole beurre blanc and wild local salmon.
Address: THE QUAY, WESTPORT. | Tel: +353 (0)98 26412
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Visit | November 2009
Beneath a thick carpet of bog the
remains of a Stone Age village have
been preserved for millennia. Today, the
excellent visitor centre brings to life this
important megalithic find.
Address: BALLYCASTLE. | Tel: +353 (0)96 43325
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Hotels | November 2009
Built on a 350-acre estate, this
13th-century castle-cum-luxury hotel has a fairy-tale feel to it. The
ancient drawbridge is still in working
order and the antiques in the bedrooms
convey an unmistakable air of opulence.
Address: ASHFORD CASTLE, CONG. | Tel: +353 (0)94 954 6003
