News from our houses & hotels

Mustard Seed Celebrates 25 Years ...

Ireland's Blue Book is delighted to congratulate Dan Mullane and The Mustard Seed on 25 years in business.

To celebrate their birthday The Mustard Seed have a wonderful collection of special offers on their website. There is the "Rest & Recharge" break and my personal favorite the "Sparkle and Sooth" package. To discover the delights on offer just visit the Mustard Seed Website.

For details contact: mustard@indigo.ie or call 069-68508

Art Exhibition at Kilgraney House

As part of the Carlow Éigse Arts Festival, Kilgraney studio gallery presents a group show featuring sculptural works set in the herb gardens of Kilgraney House, an exhibition of painting, prints and ceramic pieces in the gallery and a series of artist demonstrations and talks during the exhibition.
Exhibition curators - Annabel König and Martin Marley

Exhibition will run from the 7th to 20th June 11.00 am- 6.00 pm

For details contact: info@kilgraneyhouse.com or call 059 9775283

Burren Adventure from Gregans Castle

As part of the Burren Ecotourism initiative Gregans Castle is offering an exciting two day Burren adventure. Gregans Castle Hotel takes it's environmental responsibility very seriously and have a comprehensive environmental policy.

In the package you will have receive two nights with a gourmet dinner on one evening included. Also included is a five hour guided walking adventure, a plant lovers cottage garden tour, a guided birdwalk on the Cliffs of Moher and a tour of The Burren Smokehouse. On departure you will receive a goodie bag of local produce from the Burren. All transportation during your stay is provided for. Gregans Castle will also arrange complimentary collection from Ballyvaughan village for those travelling by bus (although some buses will drop you at the hotel gate). All the service providers who contribute to this package are locally based. Most are part of The Burren Ecotourism initiative and the others also have strong eco credentials.

This exclusive package is just available on the following dates: May 9th & June 1st. Further dates are planned in the Autumn.

From €309 per person sharing

For booking online visit Gregans Castle.

For details contact: stay@gregans.ie or call 065-7077005

Music at Marlfield House

Marlfield House Hotel is delighted to present a programme of Summer Sunday Lunch time Recitals for 2010. Performances will be in the intimacy of the house in the Print Room preceded by a delicious four course lunch in our Conservatory Dining Room.

Lunch will be served from 12.30 followed by the recital at 3pm. Tickets are €65 per person for lunch and recital.

Recital only tickets are €25. Very special bed and breakfast rates from €75 per person for Sunday and from €85 for Saturday night.

Sunday 30th of May 'The Irish Sopranos', Deirdre Masterson, Wendy Dwyer & Kay Lynch are the crème de la crème of Irish Classical vocal talent.

Sunday 13th of June Gabriela Istoc, Soprano and Dean Power, Tenor. Gabriela recently won the Irene Sandford award at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and was a semi finalist in the Veronica Dunne competition. Dean was a finalist in the Veronica Dunne singing competition. Both are members of the Opera Theatre Company Young Associate Artists Programme

For further information or to book visit the Marlfied House website.

For details contact: info@marlfieldhouse.ie or call 053-9421124

Chapterhouse Theatre and A Taste of Rathmullan July 15th

Raise a glass with family and friends this summer as you join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an evening of true Shakespearian merriment under the stars.

Much to the delight of the engaged Claudio and Hero, the inimitable Beatrice and her begrudging match Benedick are tricked into confessing their love for each other, with consequences both hilarious and heart-stoppingly romantic.

Complete with the jealous machinations of the villainous Don John and a whole host of delightfully cheeky characters, this light-hearted love story is sure to entertain and enthral.

As you picnic with family and friends beneath midsummer skies, allow the magic of the masquerade to capture your imagination and whisk you far away.

Venue : The Gardens at Rathmullan House
Date : Thursday 15th July, 5.00pm
Tickets : Adults €15/Students & Children €7/Families (2A&2C) €40
Tickets available from Rathmullan House info@rathmullanhouse.com
Prior Booking Essential; Grounds open from 4.00pm, please bring your own rugs or low backed seating.

"Picnic with the National Trust Course" at Belle Isle Castle

Belle Isle has teamed up with The National Trust at Florence Court for new 2010 'Picnic with the National Trust' courses. The days begin at the Belle Isle cookery school where you will put together a sumptuous portable picnic to be enjoyed later at the nearby Florence Court Estate, along with a tour of the house. Bring along a group of family or friends to make a delicious picnic of terrines, pies, salads, sweet tarts and cordials. The picnic course costs £65 and will be taking place in May, June and July.

The picnic courses take place on :
Friday 7th May
Wednesday 12th May
Wednesday 9th June
Friday 25th June
Friday 16th July
Friday 23rd July

On Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th May 'Cooking with the National Trust' combines a day with the National Trust with an overnight stay at Belle Isle followed by a day at the cookery school. This course will involve using original recipes from National Trust properties. The hands-on course is aimed at showing you fascinating old recipes that can be adapted for modern life.

The two day event costs £160pp and is limited to 14 places.

For further details please Belle Isle Cookery School website www.irish-cookery-school.com or call 0044 2866387231

Summer Tasting Menu at Aherne's in Youghal

Aherne's Chef David Fitzgibbon has designed a tasting menu bringing together the sense of tradition and history that is so important in Aherne’s with the freshest local produce, including the finest fish from the day's catch in Youghal harbour, locally reared beef and lamb, seasonal vegetables, local artisan produce and a delicious array of home baked goods.

On the Menu

2 Flat Oysters with Guinness
Seared Castletownbere Scallop with a Herb Butter Prosecco
Grilled Plaice with Avocado & Chilli Salsa Sauvignon Blanc
Smoked Parmesan & Roast Vegetable Risotto Alsace-Gewurztraminer "Hugel"
Aherne's Sorbet
Surf & Turf (Chargrilled Baby Fillet Steak & Prawns) Chile-Crucero Cabernet Sauvignon
Farmhouse Cheese Warre's 1999 Late Bottled Vintage Port
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Irish Coffee

This special Summer tasting menu offer is available at just Euro125 per person to include accommodation in one of Aherne's deluxe bedrooms, Friday, Sunday or Monday each week, as well as carefully selected wines to complement the courses, chosen from Aherne's comprehensive wine list.

Tasting Menu served @ 7pm. All offers are subject to availability.

For further details: call 024-92424 or email Ahernes@eircom.net or visit the Aherne's Website

Thoroughbred Trail Weekend in Barberstown Castle

Are you a Race Enthusiast and always wanted an insight into what goes on at the courses on Race day or a Trainers Yard? Treat yourself to a Thoroughbred Trail Weekend which starts with a visit to John Oxx’s Trainers yard followed by Racing at Curragh Racecourse on Saturday May 22nd, 2010. Your Weekend of Enjoyment begins on Friday 21st of May... Check into the Castle and enjoy Dinner in our Fine Dining Restaurant. Saturday the 22nd of May, visit the trainers yard (John Oxx’s), and a day at Curragh Racecourse including lunch. This package includes Transport to trainer’s yard and Curragh Racecourse with return transportation to Barberstown Castle. Sunday 23rd May , enjoy a days shopping with a 10% Discount at Kildare Village Shopping Centre and an option to visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens and Castletown House.

This package includes Two nights B & B and One Evening Meal on the Friday Night at Barberstown Castle for just €275.00 per person sharing.
For further information contact :

Tel: 01-6288157, Email : info@barberstowncastle.ie

Intensive Golf Coaching Break at Rathsallagh House

This is a very special package comprising 8 hours of intensive golf coaching over 2 days at the Brendan McDaid Golf Academy. ( suitable for beginners ). Also included are two nights bed and breakfast and two evening meals, unlimited use of the Golf Course and practice facilities , free trolley and practice balls.

From €499 per person sharing. Single Occupancy supplement of €75 applies. Add €169 to bring a non golfing partner sharing a double room. Terms & conditions apply. Offer valid Sunday to Thursday to 1st December 2010.

For further details: 045-403112 or email info@rathsallagh.com

The Taste of Summer has arrived at The Merrion Hotel

The Garden Terrace at The Merrion is now officially open. So, why not relax al fresco and enjoy a bite to eat from the specially created Summer menu.

For further details: 01-6030600 or email info@merrionhotel.com

Music and Movies at Ballymaloe House this Summer

June 6th:Al Copley and the Blues play for one night. Dinner and music tickets are available or concert only.

July 11th: Screening of ‘The Garden’
A screening of Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s ‘The Garden’, Academy award nominee, best documentary feature. The Garden has the pulse of verité with the narrative pull of fiction, telling the story of the country’s largest urban farm, backroom deals, land developers, green politics, money, poverty, power, and racial discord. The film explores and exposes the fault lines in American society and raises crucial and challenging questions about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.

August 13th: Declan Sinnott & Small Talk Town
Visit Ballymaloe for a beautiful night of music and song with the well known Declan Sinnott, Hank Wedel, Martain Leahy & Eleanor Healy.

Visit www.thegrainstoreatballymaloe.com for more details or call 021 4652531 for bookings.

Learn to Surf in Sligo-Coopershill House

The beautiful Sligo coastline has become a Mecca for surfers worldwide. Take advantage of world class waves on your doorstep along with world class comfort and style at Coopershill.

2 nights B&B, a four course dinner, a two hour surf lesson with equipment and a delicious picnic from €279 p/p sharing.
Min Stay: 2
From : €279 per person

For further details call 071-9165155 or email ohara@coopershillhouse.com

Lobster on the summer menu in the King Sitric in Howth

Its summer and the perfect time to visit the King Sitric in Howth for Lobster! King Sitric’s lobster and crab come from Balscadden Bay, only a stone’s throw from the restaurant’s front door.

The Howth Peninsula with its picturesque harbour and lighthouses, beaches, walks, martello towers and magnificent panoramas views over Dublin Bay is a perfect day out.

For further details call the King Sitric on 01-8325235 or email info@kingsitric.ie

Gardening Courses in Cashel House in Connemara

Escape to Connemara and enjoy a Gardening Course in the beautiful gardens of Cashel House Hotel. Two and three day residential courses are available.
Guest speakers and presenters at the various courses will include :
Ciaran Burke - garden writer, lecturer and plant enthusiast.
Lorna McMahon - owner of the magnificent 4 acre Ardcarrig Gardens on the outskirts of Galway City.
John O'Driscoll - General Manager of Strokestown House & Museum.
Brian Cross - owner of the magical Lakemount Garden in Co Cork.

The courses will include a variety of activities including workshops on planting and pruning, garden design and restoration, vegetable, herb and fruit growing; demonstrations etc. Where better to learn about the art of gardening that in the unique woodland gardens of Cashel House beside the Atlantic Ocean.

For further details call 095-31001 or email res@cashel-house-hotel.com

See Leonard Cohen play in Sligo
Stay in Cromleach Lodge

Leonard Cohen will now play 2 concerts in Sligo this Summer. On July 31st & August 1st he will appear at Lissadell House for an outside performance. Cohen (75) will play the venue, which is closely associated with WB Yeats, on July 31st & August 1st.

A poet and novelist himself, Cohen has long been a fan of WB Yeats, who often visited Lissadell from his nearby home in Drumcliffe.

Cromleach Lodge 4* Country House Hotel & Ciúnas Spa is an ideal location to stay while attending the concerts. Lissadell House is just 40 minutes away from this Sligo Hotel.

For details on packages available email info@cromleach.com or call 071-9165155

Learn to swim in the Park Hotel Kenmare

The art of swimming is something many take for granted and it brings much joy. For those who have a fear of the water or just cannot master the technique The Park Kenmare offers very focused one to one classes with a qualified instructor. “Intense but great” is a regular comment from guests who have taken the course in the Park.

Incorporated in your break are two nights luxurious accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner in our dining room overlooking Kenmare Bay on one evening of your choice and the opportunity to take part in all daily classes outlined in the "This Week" programme at SÁMAS. These can include Guided Serenity Walk, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Mountain Walks or River Biking. In addition you will have four one hour private lessons with a qualified swimming instructor.
Specific Terms: Swimming lessons will be pre-booked. The Park Instructor will contact you to discuss your lessons and a suitable time schedule to ensure you get the most from your stay.For those of you who wish to travel on their own The Park is happy to announce that NO SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT applies to this package.
No. of Nights:2
From €595 per person sharing.
For details contact The Park Hotel Kenmare on 064-6641200 or email info@parkkenmare.com